NGC 7635 in Cassiopeia

My approach highlighted the expansion from individuality to collectivity, with an emphasis on self-responsibility. Drawing inspiration from the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635), located 7,100 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia—named after the arrogant and vain queen from Greek mythology whose traits led to her downfall—the melancholic, broken bubble symbolizes fragility. Projected as a star-forming region, the nebula's image resonates with my exploration of bubbles, where I experimented with bioplastic in a casting workshop. While small-scale work ensured material durability, scaling up posed challenges due to the bioplastic’s limited air-drying time. The shattered bubble, representing an eruption from within the mind—our repository of thoughts and emotions—serves as a potent metaphor, and through material research, I’ve enriched the narrative of portraiture.