Digital Media Art • Installation • Projection Mapping • Motion Design
Medium: After Effects • Premiere Pro • Figma • Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper) • Projector
6 weeks (2024)
Assa (아싸)
Assa (아싸)
"Assa" (아싸) is Korean slang derived from the English word "outsider." It blends Korean and English (Konglish) to describe those who don't fit in.
Despite being born in Korea, I often felt like an outsider during my early years. Moving to the U.S. as a teenager initially brought confusion but eventually reshaped my identity. While New York now feels like home, I remain a foreigner, too “American” for Koreans and too “Korean” for Americans.
The "Assa" motion project reflects my journey in three phases. The first is my life in Korea, a period of peace during which my identity, a flower, is enclosed in a bubble. The second is my transition to America, a chaotic time reflected by rapid patterns and instability. The third is my current life, where l have found equilibrium but challenges and uncertainties remain, symbolized by a hopeful butterfly and daunting mountains.
This project explores the nuances of belonging, identity, and finding "home" across cultures.
Process - Inspiration
Moodboard
Moodboard
This project was inspired by typical patterns that are imprinted on traditional Korean snacks (다과). Seeing these patterns made me reflect on my roots and identity. They’re an integral part of my culture, yet, as someone who often feels like an outsider in Korean society, I wanted to reconnect with them in my own way.
After visual research on Korean traditional patterns,
I decided to explore the following project statement:
How can design and visual metaphors capture the nuanced experiences of cultural hybridity?
Process - Planning and Tools
Approach
Tools
Process - Sketches
Pattern Sketches
Pattern Sketches
Different elements within each pattern symbolize key stages of my journey:
Life in Korea:
○ Korean flag: Represents my cultural roots.
○ Jin-Ju "Jung" emblem: Symbolizes my family name and heritage.
○ Flower within structure: Reflects my identity constrained by societal expectations.
Transition to America:
○ Abstract shapes: Represent the confusion and chaos of adapting to a new environment.
○ Abstract flower petals extending beyond structure: Symbolize the confusion in my identity, partially detached, growing outside of societal norms yet still connected to them.
Current State:
○ Butterfly: Represents my identity, now free from the structure.
○ Mountain: Symbolizes the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.
Motion graphics were selected for this project to visually convey the evolving nature of the identity across cultures, using movement and transitions to represent the emotional shifts and complexities of belonging.
Motion Graphic Sketches
Motion Graphic Sketches
Projection Sketch
Projection Sketch
Process - Production
After Effects
After Effects
Motion Graphics
Motion Graphics
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