XB 16: MFA Thesis
Being part of a global family has allowed me to indulge and expand my imagination. I’ve always been known for packing an overwhelming number of books and sacrificing hours of sleep to watch the latest in-flight movies. One of my greatest inspirations has been Baz Luhrmann, the Australian director and writer who embodies the spirit of the auteur. His approach to cinema is unapologetically glamorous, blending theatricality with a surprising depth of perspective. His adaptations of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet—set in a modern, urban world—and his remake of The Great Gatsby are classic examples of his cinematic vision. Luhrmann’s ability to transform familiar stories into stunning visual experiences that transport audiences into entirely new realms has always fascinated me. It is this transformative power of storytelling that fuels my creative process, infusing my fictional characters and narratives with life.
I aim to create immersive experiences where audiences can fully engage with the stories I tell. My work explores a stage of incorruptible dreams, an imaginative realm where alternate urban realities take shape. The idea that the unimaginable is not only possible but can be brought to life through art is central to my vision. Through my storytelling, I hope to draw audiences into a world they can connect with, offering them a sense of familiarity while also inviting them to venture into the unknown.
The primary medium I use to express these ideas is a combination of video, large-scale photographic prints, and other personal artifacts that help define the characters and context of the story. Each element is designed to immerse the viewer, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. My goal is to make every piece sensory and dynamic, allowing the audience to experience the narrative viscerally. In doing so, I hope to give life to the characters in a manner that makes them both relatable and fantastical.
My work intentionally steers clear of commercial design, seeking instead a deeper sense of ownership and authenticity. During my MFA studies, I focused on self-authored stories, characters, and narratives, ultimately culminating in a thesis project set within a dystopian civilization. The story centers on a gender-swapped version of Romeo and Juliet, where the lead character writes a final letter to her lover, not knowing whether she will survive an attempt to save them. This narrative, while rooted in the familiar, explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice through an intensely personal lens.
