Weichan Li

In order to capture the visual essence of the virtual chat room on Zoom, I used the two-dimensionality of black and white drawings. The illustrative use of blank faces is an attempt to represent how communicating electronically can strip people of their identities and convert individual differences to commonalities and absurdities in the digital world. In this case, I depict the materials that make up electronic devices using a range of alternatives including wires, enamels and latex tapes to that imitate the textures of digital components. 

To reflect the fact that everything looks small in the distance and big on the contrary, as the linear frame in the middle moves away from the lamp, the image received on the screen is turned into a solid and precise reflection. It refers to the virtual situation when people communicate online from afar, they see not only each other but also their surroundings via the digital screen. 

Since screens are limited in size, it is always impossible to know what is happening beyond the viewing frame, offscreen. Reports of moments of absurdity accidentally revealed in public and inspired me to create playful brooches that could conceal parts of it under the pockets.

In terms of Zoom meetings, a direct mutual gaze is replaced and transformed by the media of the camera lens. I designed scenes on glasses without eye contact to illustrate the divisiveness of vision.