Older

As part of my final capstone project for UCLA’s Design Media Arts program, I created an interactive table installation. It was exhibited during our "Business as Usual" show.

In my piece, Older, I wanted to highlight the concept of getting older and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Each birthday card displayed represents a significant stage of my life, featuring photos of loved ones and messages from actual birthday cards I received at those ages. The cards gradually darken in color, symbolizing the deepening complexity and richness of life with each passing year. The most recent card, marking my latest birthday, includes an additional page to emphasize the profound impact this year has had on my life.

The cards sit around a cake that I adorned with artificial flowers, to symbolize growth as well as a mirror to symbolize reflection. The cake sat on a spinning platform so the mirror would face each participant as they wrote their special message on the tablecloth.

I invited the gallery attendees to write a note on the tablecloth to their younger selves, sharing something they wished they had known back then. Additionally, I encouraged them to take a pink envelope with a wish for their future self, mirroring the act of giving and receiving, which is central to birthday celebrations.

Beyond reflecting on my own journey, I wanted this table to honor those who, due to world conflicts or personal struggles, haven't had the chance to celebrate their birthdays.

Overall, I hope this provided an opportunity for viewers to reflect on who they have been and who they aspire to be in the future.