Whispers

"Whispers" is a video poem that reimagines monuments as both literal and symbolic shelters, questioning how we seek refuge in history, memory, and symbols of power. It examines how the erosion of these shelters reflects the impermanence of the narratives we rely on for a sense of belonging and identity. Through an intimate, peep-hole visual style reminiscent of 19th-century stereoscopes, "Whispers” offers an immersive experience that captures 42 colossal presidential heads at a secluded construction site in Virginia, U.S. These monuments, with their punctured heads and exposed internal structures, symbolize not only the fragility of power but also the vulnerability of the narratives and identities they once sheltered. The work is paired with a soundscape of whispers recorded from visitors on U.S. Memorial Day. These voices, filled with curiosity, skepticism, and introspection, create a dialogue between the monumental silence of the statues and the personal reflections of those who encounter them. For me, "Whispers" is a Future Recipe. It’s not about monuments as cold relics—it’s about finding shelter in each other’s voices when old structures crumble. I imagine these breached monuments as shelters with holes: imperfect, temporary, but still offering space to pause, breathe, and connect. When history’s symbols erode, we’re left with our own small gestures—looking closer, speaking quietly, listening deeply. In a world on fire, I hope "Whispers" offers a moment to stand still and ask: What do we really hold onto when power fades? How do we build meaning from broken pieces?