Bacherlo’s Capstone Project Installment May 2015

Received the Phillip Perry Family Award Walker Print Journalism

A continuous stream of text, photos, videos, and conversations floods the global digital landscape every second of every day. Communication serves as the driving force propelling humanity forward, enabling us to share stories, create memories, and connect with one another. Throughout the annals of history, our methods of communication have evolved, from ancient hieroglyphs to meticulously crafted calligraphy, then to efficient typewriters, and now to the use of emoticons in our smart device texts.

In today's fast-paced world, people have grown accustomed to sharing their innermost thoughts on social media platforms, expecting instantaneous connections and gratification from their peers. However, a crucial question arises: do individuals truly convey their authentic personalities and identities when they engage in social media interactions? This is a pivotal inquiry to contemplate when reflecting on one's own digital footprint and the lasting message one will leave behind.

The relentless connection to technology and the demand for instant communication have left an indelible mark on one's personal identity in the realm of social media. Online personas often distort reality, projecting a misleading and thinly veiled facade. Technology has significantly transformed the landscape of communication and altered the depths of human interaction.

Regarding the project's specifications: The background posters originally consisted of 24 individual 11x17 posters, meticulously arranged to cover an area measuring 119x56 inches. The hanging structure itself was expertly crafted using a combination of oak and steel wire, while the "Who Are You" lettering was skillfully fashioned from hardboard and extruded poly styrene, with invaluable assistance from my father in constructing these components.

Additionally, the shadow boxes were meticulously assembled using Mahogany-stained plywood, and the mirrors were treated with a plastic spray infused with mirror paint to achieve a reflective surface.

The goal of the project was to create an immersive experience and cause a pause for reflection to consider the communication behaviors online.

The project was installed over the course of two days for an open college exibition event where criticts, collegues, and peers were invited to be immersed in the experience.