Inward Steps

Abstract

This thesis project aims to present the narratives and emotions that arise within my thoughts, grounded in life experiences and the effort of self-development amid the contexts of family and society. It draws upon concepts of human development, which view growth as a continuous and ever-changing process shaped by varying experiences and environments. However, I have found that self-development does not proceed in a linear progression; rather, it is a process of recurrence and cyclical movement within the mind and psyche. This perspective aligns with existentialist thought (Existentialism), which suggests that human beings constantly confront uncertainty, conflict, and questions about their own existence. This body of work, therefore, seeks to explore and reflect the internal state of “Inward steps” which does not merely signify forward movement, but also encompasses returning, becoming stuck, and striving to break free from one’s own constraints. I present these ideas through a socially reflective perspective, using personal experience as the basis for interpretation. The concepts are conveyed through symbolic formsnamely stairs and handswhich represent movement, effort, and human limitations, in conjunction with environments that depict various situations influencing the process of development.