Exploration of the outward expression of one’s individuality and culture:

We asked students at an international program what they bring with them from their culture when they travel abroad. We transformed their answers into cast bronze “vessels” that are worn as backpacks on abstracted concrete figures.

Ten independent figures are placed surrounding two oval-shaped lawns, with the figures all facing towards each other. They appear to be walking to meet as a group in the center of the lawn. A small amount of descriptive texts and poems by Ron Phares are attached to the pedestals to provide viewers with a sense of the cultural aspects the students provided.

(Photography by Matthew Salenger)