My Salad Days

2025 Summer

Installation Design for Common Rare PomPom Design Market, Shanghai

“My Salad Days” – Inspired by Shakespeare

“My salad days” is a poetic phrase that means the time in your youth when you were fresh, inexperienced, and full of energy—kind of innocent, kind of wild, and totally free

It comes from Shakespeare’s play Antony and Cleopatra (1606)

The concept is inspired by Shakespeare’s phrase “my salad days,” which refers to the freshness, innocence, and vitality of youth. The Salad character embodies this spirit—vibrant, light-hearted, and full of joy. It represents a carefree, dreamy state of mind, reminding visitors of their own bright, green days when life felt open and full of possibility.

Merry-Go-Round

This circular, merry-go-round–shaped installation is located at the central entrance of the market, positioned directly in front of the stage. Designed with built-in steps, it offers a casual and playful seating area where people can sit, relax, and enjoy live music and performances.

Above the installation floats a glowing light box, shaped like a butterfly holding salad sauce. It’s a playful symbol of transformation, humor, and flavor—adding a surreal, lighthearted touch to the piece. The butterfly captures that strange, sweet feeling of youth—when everything is a little wild, a little magical.

This space is a tribute to playful spirits, shared moments, and the magic of being young and alive. A place to pause, laugh, and remember your own salad days.