Zefang Hu
‘Object and Community identity’ Volume
Prompt: Students will design and create a 3D object or artifact that reflects their connection to a community or expresses an aspect of their identity, beliefs, or personality. The object can be a sculpture, a functional tool, or an extension of the body (e.g., an accessory, a garment, or a prosthetic). The goal is for the object to visually express their sense of belonging or connection to a particular community, whether by choice or innate to them.
In this program, I explore the theme of family relationships in Asia, specifically the phenomenon of parents pressuring their children in many Asian families. However, my personal experience is different – I have a very close relationship with my parents and sister, and we have a relaxed and easy-going way of getting along. Therefore, through this work, I hope to express the warmth and harmony between families, as well as the cultural context in which I grew up. My research began with traditional Chinese toys and cultural elements that symbolize family reunion. I was attracted to a traditional wooden puzzle called “Kongming Lock”, which was one of my favorite toys when I was a child. Its assembly process requires patience and collaboration, similar to maintaining good family relationships. Its structure also reminds me of the close relationships between family members.
