Be yourself, the other roles are already played

In a multicultural context, individual identity is often intertwined with the collective cultural background, forming complex social dynamics. This complexity requires individuals to face expectations and pressures from different cultures and social groups when seeking self-expression.

Individuals in today's society are often forced to weigh their collective identity against their own. The rise of social media has made "collective consciousness" more and more prominent, and many people have suppressed their own uniqueness by catering to mainstream views in order to gain social acceptance. This phenomenon can be regarded as a "socialization match" that invisibly ignites people's desire for belonging, but it may also lead to the destruction of the individual's self. As Oscar Wilde said: "Be yourself, and all other roles have already been played." It profoundly reveals the social pressure that individuals face when pursuing self-realization.

The relationship between the individual and the collective can be understood as a dialectical relationship. Individual freedom and creativity are often the driving force for social progress, but at the same time, social norms and expectations also shape individual behavior and thoughts. This tension is particularly evident in contemporary society. For example, when artists and creators pursue innovation and self-expression, they often need to face market pressure and audience expectations, which makes them struggle between individuality and collective identity.

In this context, the symbolic meaning of matches becomes even more profound. The burning match represents the uniqueness and momentary vitality of the individual, while the unburned match symbolizes those potentials that are constrained by social norms. This contrast not only reflects the struggles of individuals within the collective, but also raises questions about social norms. Wilde once mentioned that "society is a huge prison", and this work appropriately reveals this: individuals are often restricted by collective expectations in the process of pursuing freedom and self-realization.

ArtWork-"Are you the black match?"