Micaela Szyszkowsky, Soft Power. Mixed media. 18 x 24 inches. Florida International University,
USA, 2026
USA, 2026
Project Statement
With my group we decided to work on the topic “Soft Power, Strong Design” and the message I want to communicate is that soft power is not weak. The
effectiveness of power is normally associated with force, being imposing, or feared, which is also usually connected with men. Through the use of metaphors, the poster communicates that soft power, often associated with women, is not less than hard power: the flowers are strong enough to break through pavement.
With my group we decided to work on the topic “Soft Power, Strong Design” and the message I want to communicate is that soft power is not weak. The
effectiveness of power is normally associated with force, being imposing, or feared, which is also usually connected with men. Through the use of metaphors, the poster communicates that soft power, often associated with women, is not less than hard power: the flowers are strong enough to break through pavement.
Video of the process. Courtesy of the designer Micaela Szyszkowsky. Florida International University, USA, 2026