As a child, my sister and I used to build forts. Even at home, we still need to create a \u201csafety place\u201d, creating a sense of nostalgia and connection to the ordinary experiences of childhood. It\u2019s a way to assert a measure of control and comfort within our immediate environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After growing up, I came to the US to study alone. Living in multiple host-families, I had many rooms, but none could be called \u201chome\u201d. Every time I move, adapting to new environments is like the process of building a fortress. This time I’m building my safety room in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I edited a video recording of my video call with my mom, videos I shared with my family, of daily life, and of me moving alone. I incorporated some violent elements by adding a video of my father making threatening remarks to our cat. It was an exploration of the multifaceted nature of my personal identity and the diverse influences that shape my life. Since most of the dialogues in the video are Chinese, I translated them into English and wrote them down on the paper with my child\u2019s handwriting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also transformed the space, adorned the walls with familiar photographs, and strategically placed items that held sentimental value. When entering this small space you can watch the projection inside, forming a kind of boundary, separating the people inside from outside. The crowded quiet is wrapped under tables and blankets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This installation prompted discussions on the universality of childhood experiences, the impact of cultural and personal backgrounds, and the ways in which we navigate the intricacies of identity. By building this space with furnitures and objects nearby, I aimed to create a physical manifestation of the emotional shelter I always sought through rooms that I could never call home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":16869,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16867","student-work","type-student-work","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-time"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n