PādaP’goda is a 27’x21’ double-layered kinetic pagoda that was one of the Honoraria Awardees from Burning Man which explores the dynamics of social interaction, interdependence, and expressions of AAPI heritage outside of Asia.
I created this project because in my 6 years of experience at Burning Man, there is a lack of cultural diversity and representation. The census polls show that asians comprise only 5 percent of the total 60,000 attendees.
The experience of being Asian American is ever evolving and with the rise in anti-asian hate and the mental health issues that are affecting our community, we have needed a space to come together. This piece is an offering to the community, to people who are coming from all across the globe to perhaps shift their preconceived beliefs about themselves and other asians and encourage the small attendance of Asian participants to feel a greater sense belonging on playa. My hope is that through the interaction and conversations we are able to create an interactive third space where aspects of Asian cultural heritage can be re-imagined and shared.
The experience of being Asian American often leads to the formation of a presentable facade, one which masks a deeper expression of our true emotions. The feeling of inner turmoil tucked away is represented in the construction of a rotating inner core built within a static envelope. As people explore the bamboo structure, they’ll find stillness at the center of the piece, a space to root to perhaps reflect on their own values while the rest of the piece moves around them. The majority of the structure is created from bamboo, a super sustainable material which has roots in many Asian countries.