Reflections of Self: Exploring Cognition Through Pleated Glass and Cyanotype

Project Overview
Reflections of Self is an exploration of the inner world through the unique combination of pleated glass and cyanotype techniques. This project delves into the complexity, diversity, and fluidity of self-awareness and cognition, reflecting how personal experiences, societal influences, and self-perception intersect and evolve over time.

Design Concept
Inspired by everyday experiences and personal reflections, Reflections of Self questions the idea of change and misunderstanding. Phrases like "you have changed" or "you're not the same person" prompted the exploration of how individuals are perceived by others versus how they understand themselves. The project emphasizes that self-awareness is never static—it is constantly evolving, often misunderstood or judged by others, but always reflecting the growth and depth within.

The pleated glass represents the multifaceted nature of self-awareness—ever-shifting and difficult to fully grasp. When paired with cyanotype, a photographic process where light exposure leaves varying patterns, it symbolizes the limitations of perception. Just as the cyanotype creates abstract patterns based on exposure to sunlight, self-awareness is shaped by what is illuminated and what remains hidden in the shadows.

Materials and Techniques
The project combines two distinct materials and techniques: pleated glass and cyanotype. Pleated glass was used to represent the fluidity and abstract nature of self-reflection, with its folds and textures suggesting the marks left by life experiences. The cyanotype process, which imprints varying patterns based on light exposure, was applied to both paper and fabric, illustrating how different levels of understanding and reflection can lead to incomplete or fragmented self-perception.

The interplay between the glass and cyanotype explores how information is transmitted and perceived. For instance, when the three-dimensional pleated glass is translated into a two-dimensional cyanotype pattern, much of the original form is lost, highlighting the limitations of any single perspective in capturing the true essence of an individual.

Social Impact and Audience Engagement
The project aims to create empathy and self-reflection among viewers by encouraging them to contemplate their own cognition and inner world. The abstract nature of the pleated glass and cyanotype patterns invites viewers to recognize the limitations of their own understanding and to embrace the fluidity of self-awareness. This process of discovery and reflection fosters a deeper connection between the audience and the artwork.

Future Development
In the next phase of Reflections of Self, the project will evolve into an interactive installation. Visitors will be able to engage with sensor devices that capture their own images, which will then be printed as negatives on transparent film. These images will be projected onto fabric or paper treated with cyanotype solution, further exploring the dynamic nature of self-perception and creating a unique experience for each participant.