Week 5 Self Portrait created by Seira Narita

This piece was inspired by the experiences of those who identify as mixed race and the struggle against racial categorization and classification. Although I can not personally understand what it is like to be mixed race, everyone in contemporary society is involved and influenced by the racial hierarchy built upon stereotypes and racial ideologies. The encounters I had in Los Angeles after moving from Japan caused me to struggle in my identity as a Japanese American. A majority of my negative social interactions stemmed not from malicious intent, but from what people had absorbed into their subconscious that changed the way they process the world around them, even when they may not initially endorse these stereotypes. In my illustration, I hope to highlight the pride I've developed overtime in the culture, language, and traditions of my family that have emboldened me to learn to embrace my identity as an Asian American. This is represented by the traditional clothing inspired by the design of a yukata I often wear to Japanese festivals.

This piece was sketched out and filled in with color pencils.