Date of Award
Spring 5-22-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Graphic Design
First Advisor
Minkyoung Kim
Second Advisor
Leah Beeferman
Third Advisor
Wael Morcos
Abstract
A great man 見微知著 (see small, know big). — Hanfeizi
My thesis explores how an ordinary person (who likes birds and technology) practices this method in graphic design.
見 see
Observe and pay attention. To stay with something long and close enough that it stops being ordinary.
微 the small
My work begins with small entry points: a word, an observation, an interface.
知 know
To learn, to place one thing next to another and understand the overlap or collision.
著 the large
What systems are at work, who designed it, how it got here.
I want to use this method as a way to create moments of revelation and tiny resistances to the networks we live inside.
Recommended Citation
liu, zairan, "see small, know big" (2026). Masters Theses. 1666.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1666
Creative Commons License
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