Since the beginning of the MFA program, I have been creating a comic named Fireheart. The story is set in the fantasy world of Yinyuan Peninsula where countries wage war for land and resources. Two young adults from different parts of this world, Yora and Jung, work their ways to find a hopeful future for themselves. Yora and Jung’s journey is an exploration of purpose, power and curiosity. As young people adapt to a world created for them by people who do not care for the future, Yora and Jung are destined to be challenged in their morality. They are going up against a system that benefits no one but the higher class.The core of my thesis project is embodied in the two books I’ve completed during my time in the MFA program. Each book contains a chapter from Fireheart: the first introduces Yora from the Dragonridge Forest, while the second features Jung from the opposing Jinlian Imperial Army. Most of the illustrations were created traditionally using pencil and ink, then finished digitally with halftone textures. The cover artworks were also done traditionally, using watercolor and graphite.For the thesis show, I wanted to use the gallery space as an opportunity to highlight both the themes and illustrations from Fireheart. My goal was to create an engaging experience that allows viewers to get a sense of the narrative and atmosphere before even opening the books. In designing the installation, I drew a lot of inspiration from comic exhibitions and artist-brand collaborations. One particularly memorable influence was visiting Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece gallery exhibition in Taipei when I was younger. I remember being in awe of how the entire space was transformed with comic panels, original artwork, and sculptures inspired by the manga. It made a lasting impression on me and opened my eyes to how comic art could be elevated and reimagined within a fine art context—something not often associated with this medium in the US.Inspired by that experience, I designed my installation with the intent to bring the world of Fireheart into the gallery setting. The display is divided into three sections: the first features the title and book display, the second presents a collage of selected comic panels from both volumes, and the third showcases framed individual pages. I also incorporated silk banners made from lightweight, semi-transparent fabric that move subtly as viewers pass by, adding a sense of motion and dynamism to the space.My main objective with this installation was to create a cohesive visual experience that draws visitors in and encourages them to engage with the work. Through a combination of large-scale wall art, expanded comic panels, vinyl lettering, and suspended silk banners, I hope to bridge the gap between comics and fine art, and invite viewers into the world of Fireheart.Website: weivivianim.com Instagram: @weivivianim Published on May 01, 2025