Bound By Nostalgia
Michelle Seo
Bound by Nostalgia explores the intricate interplay of nostalgia and personal growth that occurs as one transitions between the cultures of Korea and the United States. This thesis examines how the comforting yet confining embrace of familiar memories influences identities in new environments. Using an installation crafted from traditional Korean 조각보 (jogakbo), it maps a journey through three pivotal stages: a restrictive past in Korea, diverse and unforeseen experiences encountered in New York, and a hopeful emergence into newfound freedom. Spanning 94 inches and printed on delicate linen, the installation embodies these transformative stages, inviting viewers to navigate the intricate weave of past, present, and future.
Along with the textiles, a guidebook is created to explain the textile pieces, representing diverse emotions with colors and words. This guidebook serves as a key to understanding the deeper meanings embedded within the fabrics, offering insights into the emotional landscape depicted by each stage of the journey. It provides context for the colors and patterns used, linking them to specific emotional states and experiences, thus enriching the viewer's interaction with the installation.
This work not only recounts profound personal experiences but also engages with universal themes of belonging and becoming. It prompts reflection on how individuals maintain their roots while embracing the challenges of new horizons, navigating between the familiar and the unknown. Through this exploration, Bound by Nostalgia serves as a resonant exploration of the human condition, encouraging viewers to contemplate their own paths of growth and transformation within the global tapestry.