KEEP THE FAITH
2024
Visual Art / Installation / 3D print
The escalating issue of digital-era anxiety, particularly the phenomenon of "internal mental depletion" among China's youth, amid the backdrop of rapid societal advancement is the primary focus of this design thesis project. Alleviating this pervasive anxiety is crucial. Thus, advocating for the power of belief and encouraging young individuals to embark on inward journeys of self-exploration offers a positive coping mechanism. To this end, I have initiated a design project that based on Buddhist and Taoist cultures, the design and visual interpretation are inspired by psychedelic art and Thangka art, build a "new belief ritual", this is presented in the form of an audiovisual installation with tangible elements and environment setting. I hope participants can engage in a simple ritual, involving writing down their wishes or plans, offering incense, practicing mindfulness. This action is intended to strengthen the power of believe, thereby fostering more positive motivation and confidence, unlocking an individual's limitless potential and possibilities
THE WHEEL
The video uses blessing word symbols as the basic visual elements and employs a kaleidoscope effect as the visual medium to convey the core message of spiritual exploration and self-inquiry to the audience.
WISHING CARD
Write down your goals, plans, or any personal reflections, and place them into the shrine. Writing is a positive first step and the key to unlocking the door to self-actualization.
STATUES & INSTALL
In this project, the statues actually represent oneself. I'm not attempting to create a new deity; instead, I aim to guide people to believe in a "god," which is themselves. The connection between the audience and the statue begins when the small statue, as a product, offers a choice among different forms, with the selection based on individual preference, marking the first point of contact. Following this is the act of "worshipping the statue," a deeply religious practice. This is inspired by the current trend among young Chinese people who engage in "Buddha worship, incense offering, and making wishes" as a means to counter real-life pressures and alleviate psychological stress. Therefore, I've established a ritual of "worship, making wishes (writing down anything about oneself, goals, dreams, self-awareness at this stage), offering incense, and stamping" to facilitate a second connection with the audience. As long as this statue is in one's home or presence, seeing it will remind one of their written words, symbolizing the materialization of thoughts and beliefs. Buddha or deity statues hold a sense of sanctity and a supervisory presence to believers, marking the third to countless connections between the statue and the individual.
