Lost Kitty

My work explores the phenomenon of cute culture and its complex relationship with trending characters, reflecting our collective longing for joy and nostalgia in a chaotic and stressful world. By examining how these characters evolve into commodified symbols, I engage with their roles as both sources of joy and as objects of consumption. This exploration is deeply persona as it is influenced by my great grandmother, who crafted inflatables for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition that embodies the spectacle and celebration of these beloved cute characters.

Through my own experimentation with inflatable techniques, I delve into the duality of these figures—celebrated yet commercialized. This contrast prompts a discussion about the impact of commodification on innocence and nostalgia, inviting viewers to reflect on their connections to these characters and the cultural narratives they represent. In connecting my personal history with contemporary themes, I aim to capture the aesthetic of cute culture while questioning the complexities inherent in our modern relationship with these iconic symbols.