My fascination with butterflies started 2017 summer in Arnhem. I was visiting the Netherlands for the first time to see my friend, while thinking of studying there. During this trip, as my friend loves animals, we went to the Burger Zoo together. And thatโs how I entered the butterfly garden for the first time.
The moment I stepped in, I was in full shock. I just stood there, mesmerized by the dozens of butterflies fluttering around me. As big as fists. As light as disposable tissues. Like the ones you blow your nose at. Moving as if they are not bound to the concept of time. Moving around so easily, pushing the air so effortlessly with elegance.
While preparing for the graduation show, this memory sprung up again. Yes! Perfect excuse to dive into this fascination. With a slight twist! Like...๐ค butterflies with QR codes!!
I mean, imagine people chasing QR code butterflies with their smartphones. Just picturing them awkwardly chasing and trying to scan the fleeting butterflies tickled my brain and made me laugh.
Starting with the butterfly toy brought from Korea as a reference, I decided to reverse engineer this toy. I mean... how hard could it be?
NO.This was not what I wanted. The gap between how I imagined and what was in front of me was too brutal.
Running too powerfully through DC motors, making so much noise, far from elegant, taking all the spaces and attentions,
ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
SCREAMING.
LOOOOOOK ATTTTTT MEEEEEEEE.
They cannot be too big because then itโs too heavy. They cannot be too small; otherwise, itโs impossible to scan the QR. They cannot be as light as disposable tissues because then they're too droopy. Moving around so poorly, or barely moving. IF moving, then with too much power, too much effort, too vigorously, and too loudly.
I hated it.
But I notice my laugh. Laughter is a good sign in my practice. I wonder, What triggered my involuntary, genuine laugh? Maybe there is something there...
I am not done with these QR code butterflies. There are too many directions I can take. There are still too many things I want to try out and understand. I imagine more butterflies to come. What I am sure for now is that Iโll keep this monstrous butterfly. Because there is something that intrigues me. Somethingโฆ Something I canโt pinpoint yet.