William Pan
Caged by Expectations
Class of: 2028
Major: Integrated Design BFA
Medium: Plywood, chipboard, wool, watercolor
Faculty: Aviva Maya Shulem
Prompt: Students will design and create a 3D object or artifact reflecting their connection to a community or expressing an aspect of their identity, beliefs, or personality. The object can be a sculpture, a functional tool, or a body extension (such as an accessory, garment, or prosthesis). The aim is for the object to visually express feelings of belonging or connection to a particular community, whether chosen or inherent.
This project highlights the pressures that come with the high expectations of many Asian families, whose success is often defined by financial success rather than personal gain. I designed a box structure with a library and books inside, with traditional Chinese motifs, small holes and wool connecting symbolizing limited freedom. I designed a separate library for the exterior of each box. Inside the box, nervous characters show pressure to pursue a career in order to gain the approval of their families, each carrying a book full of books. Outside the box, you can see that parents have sent their children into this loophole. The organic figures on top of the box represents individuals who choose a creative path to show their sense of accomplishment. Through this work, I hope that people will be able to follow their passions and not succumb to the pressures of family and society.