Totem is a study of the tension between structural order and evolutionary freedom. It follows the diverging paths of an external ribbon and an internal core: starting in total interdependence, they eventually unravel to seek independence. As the core branches out, it retains "shadows" of its original form—much like a vestigial tailbone. However, this project ultimately explores the cost of autonomy; as the forms gain freedom, they lose the stability required to sustain their growth, leading to a final, graceful collapse.