PHENOMENA
Graphic Design BFA Senior Thesis 2025
PHENOMENA is a short film and exhibition that immerses viewers in the fragile yet profound nature of memory and human connection. It explores the quiet moments of longing and discovery, where love feels destined before it begins, and the unfamiliar becomes strangely beautiful. Through themes of yearning, fleeting connections, and the silent stories of others, the project evokes a deep emotional resonance that touches on both the wonder and melancholy of existence. With its ethereal imagery and introspective narrative, PHENOMENA invites people to experience the arts in a way that stirs the soul, offering a shared space to reflect on the complexities of life and love.
As mentioned in choosing the color palette, haziness is something I associate with recalling memories, and I wanted this to be reflected in the logo. The astrid serves as a visual mechonism to remind viewers that there is more in the subtext of this project than what is seen at the surface. The word “phenomena” is a striking word that generates more of a visceral reaction than a vague icon would, which is why I chose to use it as the primary logo mark.
The term “seraphic” is defined as something that has qualities of an angelic being. This is the name and logo mark for my hypothetical production company relating to how the phenomena that are highlighted in my exhibition are extraordinary experiences for us to appreciate and cherish.
TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO NEED TO REMIND THEMSELVES THEY ARE THE HERO OF THEIR OWN STORY
& TO THE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WHO HAVE SHAPED ME INTO THE PERSON I AM TODAY
The French word Dépaysement describes the feeling of being disoriented or out of place in a foreign environment, where everything feels unfamiliar. It captures the sense of stepping into a new world, where the sights, sounds, and rhythms of daily life are different from what we're used to. This feeling can be both unsettling and exciting, as it combines a loss of the familiar with the discovery of the unknown.
Dépaysement is often experienced when traveling or moving to a new place, but it also reflects a deeper emotional shift—being outside one’s comfort zone and facing the challenge of adaptation. It's the mixture of confusion and curiosity that comes with encountering something entirely new, forcing us to rethink our perceptions and understand ourselves in a different context. While it can feel uncomfortable at times, Dépaysement also offers a unique opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
“deh-peh-zuh-mah” /de.pe.iz.mɑ̃/.
DÉPAYSEMENT
SONDER
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
“The War”
“Epilogue”
“Time”
“Divenire”
“On the Nature of Daylight”
“The Departure”
DÉPAYSEMENT
“La valse d’Amélie”
“Overture”
“Mr. Moustafa”
“The Middle of the World”
“Truman Sleeps”
“November”
“The Chairman’s Waltz”
SOUNDTRACKS
KOI NO YOKAN
“When I Fall In Love”
“Verona”
“Mr. Moustafa”
“Les portes tournantes: V. La mort de Cél”
“Manny & Nellie’s Theme”
“Tema di Jane Eyre”
“Love Theme”
“Strangers In The Night”
SEHNSUCHT
“Lass los”
“Fly”
“Chevaliers De Sangreal”
“Reaching for Cold Hands”
“Iris And Jasper”
“With Or Without You”
“Heal”
COMMUOVERE
“Surprise Yourself”
“Ozdust Duet – Bonus Track”
“Mia & Sebastian’s Theme”
“Maestro”
“Planetarium”
“Nemo Egg (Main Title)”
“The Theory of Everything”
Sonder is the realization that every person you encounter has their own complex life, full of experiences, thoughts, and emotions that are just as rich and meaningful as your own. It's the understanding that, while we tend to focus on our own stories, everyone around us is living a narrative of their own—one that we will never fully understand but that is equally intricate and important. This awareness can be humbling, as it reminds us that the people we pass by every day, whether in the street or in our lives, have lives that are just as detailed and vibrant as ours.
Sonder invites us to step outside our perspective and consider the depth of others' realities, making us more attuned to the shared human experience. It’s a quiet acknowledgment of the vast, interconnected world around us, and a reminder that we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves.
SAHN-duhr /ˈsɑndər/