What Language
Do You Dream In
?
This project is an installation that explores the complexity of identity, inspired by a simple yet profound question I was asked in Korea. This question led me to reflect deeply on how my multilingual, multicultural journey has shaped both my conscious self and the deeper layers of my mind. Through this interactive installation, I invite viewers to explore these layers and connect with the shared human experience of self-reflection and understanding one’s identity.Process 01 : Inspiration
Growing up across different countries—Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, New York, and now living in Korea—has been a defining part of my identity. Each place introduced me to unique cultures, languages, and ways of thinking, but it also blurred the lines of where I belong. This project stems from that experience, exploring how language and culture shape our thoughts, dreams, and identities.
Living in these diverse environments made me reflect on the question, “What language do I dream in?” It’s a question that speaks to the complexity of being between cultures and how these layered experiences influence not only communication but also personal and emotional connections.
Process 02 : Transforming Maps into Abstract Digital Art
The maps of four countries—Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United States (New York), and
Korea—served as the base for this work.
In Photoshop, I reimagined their shapes using digital brushwork, moving beyond their literal
forms to create abstract representations that reflect each place's cultural and personal significance.
Each brushstroke was created on a separate layer for precise control over the composition.
This technique allowed the work to be adapted into a video, with layers appearing sequentially to bring the abstract forms to life dynamically.
Process 02 : Brainstorming Design Elements
Process 03 : Incorporating ‘Obangsaek’ to Reflect Korean Heritage
Obangsaek is a traditional Korean color palette of blue (cheong), red (jeok), yellow (hwang),
white (baek), and black (heuk), each symbolizing elements of nature and balance.
(For this piece, I adapted the palette by replacing yellow with green, a color
that resonates more with the abstract and contemporary tone of the work.)
I used the Obangsaek color palette to subtly reflect how my Korean heritage is imprinted on
every stage of my life, no matter where I’ve been
Process 04 : Installation
The main material of this work is a layered Korean silk cloth, symbolizing the foundation of my identity.
Hanger size: 75 * 47 inches
On this cloth, my abstract digital drawings are projected, As the layers unfold one by one in the video, they illustrate the gradual formation of each piece, symbolizing the unfolding of my subconscious thoughts and the evolution of my identity over time.
Viewers are invited to physically engage with the installation by touching the silk cloth and stepping inside it,
fostering a tactile interaction with the work. Through this, they can connect with the artist's inner world and
share in the emotions expressed within the piece.
Outcome
This work translates a deeply personal question into a digital and physical simulation, inviting viewers to explore the layered complexity of identity and subconscious thought. It demonstrates how technology and art can externalize introspection, creating a shared experience from a deeply individual journey.