Artwork Collection

To Speak My Mind

To Speak My Mind is a series of illustrations exploring complex states of mind described across different languages. I aim to show that indescribable emotions can be better defined when looking at other languages.

Thesis

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L’appel du vide
L’appel du vide

Illustration

L’appel du vide

A French expression that translates to ‘the call of the void.’ It describes the desire to jump when looking off of a ledge.

Hygge
Hygge

Illustration

Hygge

The feeling of being cozy and comfortable is spoken in Danish.

Jijivisha
Jijivisha

Illustration

Jijivisha

Originating from the Hindu language, it describes the will to live, a desire to see life through to the end.

Kilig
Kilig

Illustration

Kilig

Originating from the Tagalog, a language mainly spoken in the Philippines. Refers to the feeling of being nervous and excited.

Torschlusspanik
Torschlusspanik

Illustration

Torschlusspanik

A German word roughly translates to the panic of a door closing, a metaphor for the anxiety of missing opportunities.

Toska
Toska

Illustration

Toska

A Russian word, that conveys sadness with no exact cause.

Yuptka
Yuptka

Illustration

Yuptka

A Nicaraguan word describing the phantom sensation of skin crawling.

物の哀れ
物の哀れ

Illustration

物の哀れ

A Japanese expression for the feeling of the melancholic beauty in impermanence.

糾結
糾結

Illustration

糾結

A Chinese word that describes the feeling of being tangled about a decision, unable to make a choice.

Work by

Alan Yu

Illustration