Echoes of the Stone

‍Echoes of the Stone investigates the relationship between space, culture, and materiality through the exploration of caves—spaces that carry both physical presence and symbolic meaning. My goal was to reconstruct a cave environment not only as a natural formation but also as a cultural narrative shaped by history, language, and art.

The final work consists of two interconnected parts:
1. Spatial Reconstruction – A 1:1 scale model that recreates the cave’s texture, atmosphere, and sense of immersion.
2. Cultural Narrative – A hand-bound book that documents the myths, linguistic origins, and symbolic interpretations of caves, offering a tactile way for viewers to engage with the story.

The project evolved through extensive research, material experimentation, and iterative making. Because literature on caves was limited, I studied both scientific documentation and artistic interpretations to better understand how humans have represented caves across cultures. This research informed my decision to create a cross-sectional model, allowing me to highlight the internal textures and spatial complexity of the environment.

Material testing was central to my process. When I ran out of plaster bandages, I experimented by mixing cotton towels with plaster water, which unexpectedly produced a rough, stone-like surface. Later, I combined acrylic paint with gesso to achieve layered color depth and a tactile finish. These discoveries turned constraints into creative opportunities, reinforcing my belief that experimentation is a core part of artistic problem-solving.

This project deepened my understanding of how space becomes narrative—how texture, light, and form can express emotion and history. For me, Echoes of the Stone is not a completed work but an ongoing exploration of how art can translate geological memory into human experience.