We all grow up someday. For some, childhood ends with a defining moment, for others, it happens without realizing it at all. Do you look back on your formative years with nostalgic reverence? or would you do it differently if you got the chance? Part of growing up is accepting the reality of our own mortality, which is often accompanied by the anxiety that we are running out of time. Race for your Love symbolizes the impermanence of our youth with a video game that is being played on it’s last life. The digital glitch prevents the player from knowing how many laps are left in the race, illustrating the anxiety of passing time, or time remaining. The title of the game “Race for Your Love” could reference the love of a romantic interest, the approval of those we admire, or the ability to accept and appreciate ourselves in this moment. If the game ended now, could you say you won your race?

Since 1995 American Girl’s product line has included a selection of dolls intended to reflect their collectors. Today the collection is called “Truly Me” with the dolls being almost entirely customizable. As individuality becomes increasingly valued in todays society, children are offered a wider variety of toys to represent them and their evolving identities. However, as we get older, there are countless of other experiences, interactions, and affiliations that impact how our identity develops and changes. Is the personality you’re expressing truly you? or maybe a portrayal of what is expected of you? would you be the same person if not for the family, friends, religion, nationality, or media exposure that has shaped you?

Truly Me? represents the fragments of our true personalities that we mask in order to adapt to the demands of our multi-faced adult lives. How would you present if your childhood courage and individuality had been preserved?