The first source that got my idea running for this piece were the lines “I have the right not to keep the races separate within me” and “I have the right to not justify my ethnic legitimacy” from the “Bill of Rights for People of Mixed Heritage”. I am half Chinese and half Laotian. For as long as I can remember, I never felt as though I expressed both sides equally; I would always be more prideful of one over the other. For example, because I’d learn how to speak Cantonese when living with my Chinese grandparents as a kid, it made it difficult to grasp Laotian vocabulary at a older age with my Laotian grandparents. Some years I would dress up in colorful traditional Laotian clothing for Lao New Years, and wonder why I’d be in typical casual wear for Chinese New Year. Fortunately, as time went on, I learned that it was perfectly all right to express both sides as much as I pleased and to feel a mix of both cultures inside of me, because that is who I am.
The flags I’ve painted upon my long sleeve shirt are the Laotian and Chinese flag. The reason for this being that when coming up with the idea, I was inspired by the idiom “to wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve” meaning to make one’s feelings apparent. Because I hold both cultures dearly within my heart, I wanted to play with the words of the original idiom to show who I am and that I’m proud to be so. In the photo, I also chose to cross my arms to symbolize the interlocking connection, as opposed to a clear-cut line, between the two nationalities within in me. I wanted to keep my piece as a typical looking photo because I recalled when Dr. Weiming Dariotis was a guest speaker, she thought it was interesting how most of the art pieces presented had the own artists’ faces. I wanted to use this element because I liked how it allowed me to put a face to the artist and their words, making it seem all the more relatable.
This piece allowed me, as an artist, to express my current feelings as a race traitor through simple symbols. Personally, I tend to gravitate towards producing simple pieces with symbols that can tell a story or convey a bigger meaning than what the piece first seems to be from a quick glance.
When I first saw this, I immediately thought of the same idiom so for the audience to automatically understand your message is a huge accomplishment. I also enjoyed reading your artist statement and how everything you chose to represent was really thought-out. I am curious though as to why you chose to wear a white shirt instead of any other color? Perhaps, include that in your artist statement. Other than that, good job!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your artist statement and thought that it helped to further explain your ideas regarding your portrait. While your picture, from the surface level appears to be very simple, it had great meaning behind it. You were able to deliver a wonderful message and I could sense your empowerment for your two cultures. I can't really think of any improvements, great job overall!
ReplyDeleteGreat way of doing the self portrait. I did not understand what you were trying to portray until after reading the artist statement because it made a huge difference. Without the strong message behind the artist statement, people will be a bit confused as in what you are doing. No need for improvements. Overall, amazing job.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy how the self-portrait is very straightforward. I also like how you incorporated the idioms into the piece. I enjoyed how the artist statements include interesting anecdotes that made us reader get closer with the artist. However, I wish that the statement can get into more deeper meaning rather than superficial ideas. Why did you decide to make this pose? Why did you decide to wear white rather than other color? Have you thought about the hair style as well? Overall great job!
ReplyDeleteYour ideas are great! I think that using the idioms as a way of insiration is amazing. I also like how you expressed the reason behind your crossed arms. It's a great way to demonstrate the inter connection of both races. Over all good work
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