Maxwell Allen: capstone

Abstract

The artist's statement: Reflection is a form of imagination. When we look to the past, we often wish we had done better; when we dream of the future, we imagine ourselves as that better version. This music video explores the inner struggles of a music artist among the shifting standards of beauty and identity. We all long for more comfort, more recognition, more meaning, a more vibrant life. And it's the dream of a better future that propels us forward. In my journey as an artist, I've developed a deep connection with videography, color, and music. While I've experimented with a variety of video formats, I had never created a music video until Dep Gai. I was inspired by a desire to collaborate with other creative artists, believing that meaningful art often comes from shared vision. "Dep Gai" (Vietnamese for beautiful girl) explores the tension between self-worth and external validation. It questions: does how we see ourselves matter more than how we want to be seen? This video portrays an artist wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, striving to become "better" in pursuit of someone, or something more. The mirror becomes a metaphor for aspiration, reflecting not just appearance but identity and potential. As an emerging singer, the artist envisions himself as a rockstar, a fantasy born from longing and dissatisfaction. That same urge resonates with me. In my own creative process, I often imagine a better version of myself to validate what I do in the present. Through this project, I explored what it means to fully commit and reach for that imagined self. Technical/visual description. The video uses parallel imagery and visual effects to portray internal conflict. A dominant color palette of red and blue represents the two competing voices within the artist: his reality versus his imagination. Mirrors play a central role, allowing the viewer to see both versions at once, blurring the line between what is and what could be. Carefully composed shots and angles create a dreamlike quality, amplifying the surreal atmosphere and internal dialogue. Filmed on Iphone 13 PRO. Edited using DaVinci Resolve pro 19 for iPad.