The Self: My Culture , 2021
36 x 42 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Model and Installation

For my project I chose to make an architectural space to abstractly represent my culture. When you approach my space the first thing that you notice is the “dancing walls” representing rhythm, music, dance, and movement.

The first few walls you notice are colorful because it represents the bright and dazzling aspects of my culture. The walls are loud and moving, representing different music styles that are central to my culture like rap, the blues, r&b, hip hop, jazz, gospel, soul, funk, and afrobeat.

This section of the structure is clear to see by the glass panels surrounding it. Behind and not bordered are the colorless dancing walls. These walls become more tighter and less free flowing. These walls represent the amount of my culture that was appropriated over time.

The walls lost their color because it was stolen from them. These walls travel outside the space and lose the glass walls surrounding it because it represents that these walls lost its source of protection. These walls are also trying to protect what's hidden behind. The walls hidden behind are made of bricks. This section represents my culture's generational trauma. This cultural trauma has been going on for generations and is something that can be uncomfortable to talk about or disclose to other cultures so sometimes we hide it.

This section is like a maze because it's a complex situation to understand and there isn’t a clear answer behind it. Although the walls do let you in a little bit, it might be uncomfortable to be in certain areas.

Other works by Kaci Johnson

The Self: My Culture , 2021
56 x 42 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Installation
Gallery Architecture & Interior Design, Miami University of Ohio
The Self: My Culture , 2021
46 x 46 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Installation
Gallery Architecture & Interior Design, Miami University of Ohio

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