At the beginning of this semester, we embarked on a project titled World Building. As the name implies, our task was to construct the framework of an original world and develop narratives within it. This project could take the form of a script, with the potential to evolve into a novel, film, television series, or other creative medium.
First, we explored real-world issues and presented our findings in the form of an essay.
I drew a great deal of inspiration from our earlier exploration of real-world issues. My research focused on the education system in China, and I came to realize that at the core of the problem lies not just the education itself, but the underlying political structure—one that appears democratic on the surface, yet operates in an authoritarian manner. Based on this, I created a world that amplifies these dynamics to an extreme. In this world, the protagonist uses imaginative and unconventional methods to uncover and resolve the hidden issues.
I chose to collaborate with AngleR and Akshay, and we began the process with an intensive brainstorming session.
We dedicated a substantial amount of time to brainstorming, then refined and organized our ideas before ultimately presenting them to the class through a formal presentation.
In our Digital Media class, we explored a wide range of Photoshop techniques and creative design methods. Building on the research we conducted in English class about important social issues, we applied our digital skills to create a surreal image that expresses our thoughts and reflections. This project allowed us to combine technical abilities with critical thinking, using visual storytelling to raise awareness and spark conversation about real-world problems. It was a meaningful experience that helped us better understand how art and media can be powerful tools for social change.
Artist Statement:
The man in the water could not stand the darkness and was determined to find the light. Finally, he saw a beam of dazzling light coming from the water surface, so he swam upward desperately. From our perspective, we can see that what is waiting for him above the water surface is a more bizarre and terrifying world.
In this non-realistic work, I am reminded of my World Building project. I study the social problems present in China’s education system. In my opinion, tens of millions of ordinary students in China are like the people in the water. They find themselves in dark, painful situations, and as long as there is a ray of light (a glimmer of hope), they will desperately pursue it. Even if they know in their hearts that the future may be even darker, they still use this ray of light to numb and motivate themselves. I hope they can one day escape this hopeless situation.