Making it public
Love and affection are deeply personal yet universal, often expressed in ways that are subtle and unique to each relationship. Inspired by my observations while exploring the city, I began this project by studying how couples interact in public—some holding hands, some embracing, others simply walking side by side. These fleeting moments revealed the rich variety of ways love can manifest, offering a stark contrast to the idealized portrayals I grew up seeing in romantic movies.
Romantic films often depict love in a narrow, formulaic way: grand gestures, flowers, and perfect dates. However, real-life relationships are far more nuanced. Everyone expresses affection differently, reflecting their own “love language.” Not all women cherish receiving flowers, and not all men feel inclined to give them. These individual preferences make each connection distinct, challenging the conventional imagery of romance.
This realization inspired me to dig deeper. By speaking with both couples and individuals without partners, I explored diverse perspectives on love—how it’s felt, expressed, and perceived. Using the insights I gathered, I created a series of still-life compositions. Each piece combines objects symbolizing the unique ways people experience and interpret love.
Through this project, I aim to broaden the audience’s understanding of love, encouraging them to appreciate its multifaceted nature. By moving beyond the clichés of romance, the work invites viewers to embrace the diverse and deeply personal ways love is communicated in today’s world.