kellsguo.cargo.site
Upon entering college, I developed a sudden fascination with
balloons—an object that once felt insignificant but now brings me
a distinct sense of joy. I became more aware of their impermanence
and found myself envying their buoyancy. Over time, I began to
recognize my deepening attachment to childlike objects and activities,
particularly those that dissipate quickly. This led me to question: How
do we measure happiness, and how has that evolved through the
bittersweet process of growing up? At what point does our
susceptibility to happiness allow our mature and immature selves to
become interchangeable? Is there a correlation between happiness
and temporality? And how do we capture the temporality of memories
that we hold dear?
Light as Air, Heavy as Time explores the essence of who we are at our
core when we shed the weight of expectations and exist as pure
energy, unburdened by uncertainties of the future. By using design as
a channel to facilitate conversations and revisit objects and traditions
associated with one’s childhood, we can explore the intersectionality
of our identities and the temporality of our experiences. How can we
use design to better interpret and visualize experiences in their
conceptual form rather than physical?
This thesis challenges viewers to embrace vulnerability, to revisit
forgotten dreams, and to confront unresolved emotions. Igniting a
sense of wonder in our fast-paced, future-focused world, Light as Air,
Heavy as Time offers a moment to pause and celebrate the beautiful
messiness of simply being human.
Boston University College of Fine Arts
School of Visual Arts