Artist: Yahaira Ponce
Medium: Website
Artist Statement:
Across my work in New Media, I focus on bringing stories to life in ways that make them immersive and deeply felt. Whether designing interactive experiences in Art Games & Virtual Worlds or creating an engaging digital narrative in Principles of Internet Design, my projects explore how digital spaces can be used to help people understand complex ideas, events, feelings, and emotions. I love creating stories that pull people in, letting them not just watch, but also truly experience and connect with the world I build. My project In Their Memory continues this approach by using interactive design, archival media, and personal testimonies to create a space for remembrance and reflection. By blending visuals and interactivity, I hope to ensure that important stories are not just told, but also truly felt and understood. In addition to this, I hope to continue using digital media as a way to preserve memory, inspire action, and give voice to untold perspectives.
Project Description:
In Their Memory is an interactive digital memorial that honors the lives lost in the Parkland school shooting and explores the movement that followed. Through images, survivor testimonies, and a timeline of activism, this project tells the story of both tragedy and resilience. By creating an immersive experience, the website allows visitors to connect with the voices of those affected and see how their advocacy sparked change. More than just a reflection on loss, In Their Memory is a reminder of why conversations about gun violence and reform must continue. It sheds light on the lasting impact this tragedy had on survivors, families, and the nation, showing how grief turned into action. By blending media and personal stories, this project ensures that the events of Parkland are not just remembered, but serve as a lasting call to action for a safer future for our world.
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