Sacred Spaces: Dreamtime with Artist Chishan Lin

“Sacred Spaces: Dreamtime” aims to create a private space to experience what is sacred within each one of us. As the audience lies on the bed of the constructed bedroom, he/she observes the video that is being projected on the ceiling right above his/her head. Through the video, the youth participants explore their personal identities and their ideal dream-selves with the audience. By watching the video in the intimate and private settings of a teenager’s bedroom, the audience is invited to take on a journey of exploring their own private identities and ideal dream-selves.

The idea of “Dreamtime” comes from a series of discussions that I’ve had with the youth participants during the Blue Sky program. Through the discussions, I’ve discovered that each participant has a very intuitive and unique relationship with the act of dreaming. As a result, I invited them to explore their dream states and their fantasy selves. I also asked them to use a video journal to document their thoughts and emotions. What arises out of the self-journaling experience is a safe platform for them to explore their sense of self-identity and the complex emotions that arise from moving toward adulthood.

“Dreamtime” provides a unique window into these young adults’ psyche and their private world. By expressing and exploring their dream state and hidden desires, the youth participants are able to gain a greater self-awareness. Consequently, the audience reaches a deeper insight into the contradictions and the complexity of a teenager’s life.

Student Artist
Michelle Cox, Crystal Lake
Columbia College

Nikita Chieco, Huntley
Caitlin Galasso, Cary
Julie Mussared, Richmond
Kelsey Reinker, Lakewood