Un Futuro Like Me
Location
FA-255
Start Date
2-5-2025 9:40 AM
Department
Art + Design
Abstract
Un Futuro Like Me is an interactive art piece that invites audiences to rediscover the power of play in cultural learning and generational knowledge transfer. Inspired by conversations with my nephews over the past decade, I realized they had little connection to their cultural heritage. This piece encourages children to engage with their culture through play—as an act of resistance and self-discovery. Rooted in futurism, the artwork reflects what is important to Mexican Americans in Chicago today. To understand how children learn and interact with the world, I conducted interviews with two experts: Dr. Lindsay Maldonado, a sociocultural theorist and Assistant Professor in NEIU’s Early Childhood Education program, and Stephanie Bynum, VP of Programs at Kohl Children’s Museum. Their insights reinforced that unstructured play is essential for learning at all ages. The physical design of the sculpture prioritizes accessibility and engagement, ensuring an inviting, hands-on experience for children. Ultimately, this project challenges the notion that there is a "right" way to learn about one’s heritage. Learning is fluid, evolving alongside personal growth, with adults playing a crucial role in fostering curiosity and exploration. Un Futuro Like Me serves as both an educational tool and a celebration of cultural identity, emphasizing that the act of play is, in itself, a powerful form of learning.
Faculty Sponsor
Lauren Meranda
Un Futuro Like Me
FA-255
Un Futuro Like Me is an interactive art piece that invites audiences to rediscover the power of play in cultural learning and generational knowledge transfer. Inspired by conversations with my nephews over the past decade, I realized they had little connection to their cultural heritage. This piece encourages children to engage with their culture through play—as an act of resistance and self-discovery. Rooted in futurism, the artwork reflects what is important to Mexican Americans in Chicago today. To understand how children learn and interact with the world, I conducted interviews with two experts: Dr. Lindsay Maldonado, a sociocultural theorist and Assistant Professor in NEIU’s Early Childhood Education program, and Stephanie Bynum, VP of Programs at Kohl Children’s Museum. Their insights reinforced that unstructured play is essential for learning at all ages. The physical design of the sculpture prioritizes accessibility and engagement, ensuring an inviting, hands-on experience for children. Ultimately, this project challenges the notion that there is a "right" way to learn about one’s heritage. Learning is fluid, evolving alongside personal growth, with adults playing a crucial role in fostering curiosity and exploration. Un Futuro Like Me serves as both an educational tool and a celebration of cultural identity, emphasizing that the act of play is, in itself, a powerful form of learning.