DESIGN

PHOTO

ABOUT

DESIGN

PHOTO

ABOUT

Seeking the Light 2020

Seeking the Light 2020

Installation & Video | Chinese International Students During Covid

Installation & Photo Series

During the Covid-19 pandemic, as a Chinese international student, I initiated the "Seeking the Light" project to delve into our mental health challenges. The project aimed to capture and express the collective experience of isolation and homesickness in a foreign land.

The centerpiece of this project was a meaningful installation: a T-shirt crafted from instant Chinese food packaging. This unique piece represented our life in a state of limbo, a deep longing for a sense of belonging, and the fear we faced amidst the pandemic’s uncertainties. More than a mere object, the T-shirt was a poignant symbol of the emotional and physical difficulties of being stranded far from home.

To enhance the installation, I included a series of expressive photographs that resonated with the T-shirt’s message. These photos were part of an on-campus exhibition, playing a crucial role in shedding light on the mental health struggles we experienced. The exhibition’s goal was to unveil our hidden challenges, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy within the university community.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, as a Chinese international student, I initiated the "Seeking the Light" project to delve into our mental health challenges. The project aimed to capture and express the collective experience of isolation and homesickness in a foreign land.

The centerpiece of this project was a meaningful installation: a T-shirt crafted from instant Chinese food packaging. This unique piece represented our life in a state of limbo, a deep longing for a sense of belonging, and the fear we faced amidst the pandemic’s uncertainties. More than a mere object, the T-shirt was a poignant symbol of the emotional and physical difficulties of being stranded far from home.

To enhance the installation, I included a series of expressive photographs that resonated with the T-shirt’s message. These photos were part of an on-campus exhibition, playing a crucial role in shedding light on the mental health struggles we experienced. The exhibition’s goal was to unveil our hidden challenges, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy within the university community.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, as a Chinese international student, I initiated the "Seeking the Light" project to delve into our mental health challenges. The project aimed to capture and express the collective experience of isolation and homesickness in a foreign land.

The centerpiece of this project was a meaningful installation: a T-shirt crafted from instant Chinese food packaging. This unique piece represented our life in a state of limbo, a deep longing for a sense of belonging, and the fear we faced amidst the pandemic’s uncertainties. More than a mere object, the T-shirt was a poignant symbol of the emotional and physical difficulties of being stranded far from home.

To enhance the installation, I included a series of expressive photographs that resonated with the T-shirt’s message. These photos were part of an on-campus exhibition, playing a crucial role in shedding light on the mental health struggles we experienced. The exhibition’s goal was to unveil our hidden challenges, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy within the university community.

Video Narrative

My project included a compelling video narrative alongside the installation, depicting the challenges Chinese students abroad faced during the pandemic’s onset. It highlighted the difficulties in returning home, such as high ticket costs, sudden flight cancellations, and delayed refunds, amidst rising anti-Asian sentiment in the US. This video, illustrating Chinese students’ deep homesickness and mental stress, was awarded second place in China’s Ministry of Education Video Competition for Overseas Education Students. It underscores the strength of artistic storytelling in conveying resilience and the importance of individual effort in times of global crisis.

Length: 2min 46s

Research

I conducted a comprehensive analysis to understand the actual experiences of my community during the pandemic. This included reviewing 32 survey responses about the mental health challenges faced by the Chinese student group at UVM, examining data on the psychological well-being of the Chinese population during the 2003 SARS outbreak, and conducting interviews with 5 peers. These interviews highlighted their primary concerns, which were difficulties in returning to their homeland, loneliness resulting from social distancing, instances of Asian Hate, and the shortage of medical supplies.

*The interview was conducted in Chinese and subsequently translated into English for ease of understanding.