R U OK

Students’ Choice Awards & 3rd Place, 3D

UVA students are constantly asked to navigate a new normal of “unprecedented times” and increasing pandemic restrictions, while simultaneously maintaining pre-pandemic levels of productivity and accomplishment. It’s a lot to handle. Rather than asking to put even more on your plate, my work asks, simply, “R U OK?” Passersby are free to take “YES” or “NO” tear-off tabs as they feel fit. The words “R U OK?” suggest the shortened language of texting and Internet slang that we are all extra-familiar with now, while the quilted object evokes comfort, domesticity, and care. My work doesn’t necessarily investigate who UVA students are, but how they are. Are you – are we – okay?