In the Shadow of Expectations: The Paradox of Self-Loss and Identity
Yihui Pan
“In the Shadow of Expectations: The Paradox of Self-Loss and Identity” explores how conflicting familial and societal
expectations fragment an individual's sense of self. Drawing from personal experiences, psychological theory, and
artists reflects on the emotional toll of role-playing to meet others’ ideals. It suggests that identity is not fixed,
but a fluid negotiation between internal desire and external pressure.
Portfolio Website:
Thesis Book
The Box
This video is a visual extension of “In the Shadow of Expectations: The Paradox of Self-Loss and Identity.”Capturing the feeling of being trapped—both physically and emotionally—by placing the self inside a confined box. Using a first-person perspective, flashing filters, heartbeat, and breathing sounds, it viscerally conveys the tension, pressure, and anxiety explored in “In the Shadow of Expectations.” The piece translates the thesis theme into a sensory experience of internal struggle and identity confinement.
Thesis Book
“In the Shadow of Expectations: The Paradox of Self-Loss and Identity-Thesis Book”
Book Spreads
“In the Shadow of Expectations: The Paradox of Self-Loss and Identity-Thesis Book”
Book Display
“In the Shadow of Expectations: The Paradox of Self-Loss and Identity-Thesis Book” Book Spreads
Book Display
“In the Shadow of Expectations: The Paradox of Self-Loss and Identity-Thesis Book”
The Box
A series of boxed sculptures, I visualize how external expectations trap and blur my identity—showing the tension, pressure, and emotional disorientation from both inside and out.-pose 2
The Box
A series of boxed sculptures, I visualize how external expectations trap and blur my identity—showing the tension, pressure, and emotional disorientation from both inside and out.-pose 1
The Box
A series of boxed sculptures, I visualize how external expectations trap and blur my identity—showing the tension, pressure, and emotional disorientation from both inside and out.-pose 3
The Box
A series of boxed sculptures, I visualize how external expectations trap and blur my identity—showing the tension, pressure, and emotional disorientation from both inside and out.-pose 4