I wanted to explore the material and see how I could delve into the container system, the idea of revealing and hiding something through folding, outline, and form. To begin, I asked people to look at the contents of their bags and classify their objects from most private to most public. Specifically, I inquired about an object they wouldn’t want others to see and something they would be willing to share. This exercise provided insight into how individuals perceive the privacy of their belongings.
Building on this, I considered how I could use paper folding and the interplay of negative and positive space to hide and reveal objects. By folding paper in specific ways, I aimed to create compartments and layers that mimic the protective and concealing functions of a handbag. The folds and cuts in the paper serve as both barriers and gateways, challenging the observer to consider what is kept hidden and what is displayed, and why.
Additionally, I created a connect-the-dots poster, inviting people to connect the dots in order to reveal what’s on the inside. The intention was to engage participants in an interactive process of discovery, mirroring the act of uncovering hidden aspects of oneself or one’s belongings. However, I ultimately realized that this approach didn’t serve its intended purpose effectively and functioned more as a fun game than a meaningful exploration of concealment and revelation.