Belonging explores the idea of identity through the lens of cultural duality, reflecting on where I come from and where I feel I belong. Rooted in my experiences between South Korea and the United States, the project examines how overlapping environments shape personal identity.
Year
2023
Scope
Installation
This project investigates the emotional and cultural complexity of navigating two distinct yet interconnected worlds. Rather than existing as separate experiences, my time in South Korea and the United States blends together—forming a layered identity that does not fully belong to one place alone. Through this work, I explore how cultural environments, memories, and personal interactions contribute to shaping who I am.
Belonging takes the form of an interactive paper diorama composed of eight individually designed layers. Each layer features abstract patterns and textures inspired by environmental elements from both cultures, translating physical and emotional experiences into visual form. The layers function as detachable components that can be rearranged and recombined, creating new compositions with each interaction. This system transforms the piece into a “collage machine,” allowing for the continuous reinterpretation of identity and place. By inviting variation and overlap, the installation reflects the fluid and evolving nature of belonging—where boundaries are not fixed, but constantly shifting and merging.
