This project is an exploration of creating conceptual art, executed while I was taking an eponymous course. It is inspired by the activity of people watching and examining the work culture and overall mindset of people at my university. By “planting” a small orchid in a cobblestoned path in a heavily traveled area of campus, I placed something small, yet conventionally beautiful in the way of people who would normally walk on the path as part of their routine. My intention was to remain a neutral observer; I had no particular intentions or hopes regarding how the orchid would be perceived by others, if it was perceived at all. I detailed by findings in “field notes,” as I sat outside in somewhat chilly weather, doing schoolwork and people-watching.

Aside from this method of observing reactions to the flower, there were unexpected digital reactions on Sidechat. Sidechat is a social media app that is used predominantly by university student populations; the app allows users to anonymously post, comment, and DM anonymously within their school community. Each of the Sidechat posts included below were sent to me by friends who came across them, but aside from those friends the project was anonymously executed. View snapshots of the project below, or click the button to view a pdf of my field notes.