I AM MORE THAN WHO I AM is a site-specific artwork created by Pranav Sood for the entry facade of the new Oscar de la Renta Educational Campus in Manhattan. This Project is commissioned by NYC Department of Education, NYC School Construction Authority’s Public Art for Public School program, and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent of Art program.

This frieze-like work consists of a long horizontal row of seven porcelain enamel panels, each measuring over 6 feet wide. The imagery unfolds across the panels like a sequence in a comic strip. Vibrant primary colors and bold geometric patterns convey a sense of cheerfulness and optimism, in which figures smile and warmly gesture as they interact with each other. 

Sood drew inspiration from his background growing up in Punjab, India, and the iconography of Indian miniatures and temple paintings, which often depict a hero’s journey overcoming obstacles. His figures' expressive body language—outstretched arms, thumbs up, pointing, sharing, and speaking—illustrates themes of collaboration, celebrating successes, communication, growth, support, and embracing differences. The scenes are open to multiple interpretations, inviting students to engage with the artwork by developing their own stories and becoming storytellers themselves.