Self-expression in identity

The main concept I have explored in my exhibition is self expression in identity. The experiences that have inspired me and contributed towards the making of these artworks are my personal observations of others around me while growing up through confusing and constant changes within my life in the past few years during the pandemic. As a mixed kid, I was influenced by a lot of difficulties within the expression of my identity and becoming the person I am today, and because of my own experience, I have found that the self expression of identity is a never ending and evolving cycle in which everyone can relate to and goes through in their lives. It is essential to have this self expression to share our existence and its meaning with others in a society which is controlling and pressures us to its standards. The artist that has influenced me the most is Lauren Tsai, as her artworks are very symbolic and discuss deep themes such as oppression, loneliness, and transformation. Her artworks have heavily influenced me to have a more symbolic view on creating art and have led me to focus on creating art that are extensions of my emotions and thoughts.

I have mainly used the materials oil paint and acrylic on canvas, gouache, clay, and digital painting on procreate in order to convey the message in each artwork through different elements such as texture, perspective, intensity, and contrast. Each of my artworks in this exhibition are placed in a circular line, creating a story of the main theme and representing its never ending cycle. The artworks I have chosen are Stuck by myself, which expresses how isolation causes us to be stuck as our current selves without any room for emotional and physical growth and Society’s product, which represents the limitations on self expression caused by the media controlling our worth. Facade represents body insecurity hidden through maintaining our physical appearance, meanwhile Perfect World expresses emotional struggles that are hidden through masking emotions. Rebirth expresses the different stages of transformation through self reflection and Twin represents individuality in self expression while being forced by society into a certain category. Fearless? expresses the fear and difficulty in expressing self identity after trust has been broken, and Morphing into roses represents how obstructed views on reality influence and limit our identity.

Through the theme I have explored in this exhibition, I would like viewers to reflect on their own self expression in identity and to connect and relate through their own personal experiences. Although my artworks describe my own experiences in the self expression of identity, I would like viewers to perceive my artworks as a reflection of certain areas within their lives and think about their own experiences, emotions, and personal struggles, and how each one has impacted the expression of their own identities.