The pandemic, quarantine, and confrontation of pernicious comments directed against Chinese people altogether engendered a strong feeling of isolation and loneliness inside me. Thus, I began an introspective artistic exploration to fortify my cultural identity and connect with people who are important in my life.
Initially, I explored subjects reminiscent of my Chinese background. Works 1-2 invoke memories of my hometown. I then engaged in direct, honest observation of myself and Mom while exploring various mediums, emphasizing their inherent qualities through my brushwork and focus on textures. Works 4-7 show my commitment to explore my identity and portray myself differently through various media. Works 9-12 trace my growing interest in creating psychological portrayals of my mom by incorporating symbols. My experimentation in 9-12 induced me to express myself beyond the confines of realism. Thus, my final works became ambiguous and symbolic, returning to introspection with a refreshed mindset. I visualized my loneliness and desire to connect with people important to me in #14 and established a new view on my identity through the distorted, expressive portrait in #15.
"Aroma"
Oil on Canvas
"Hometown"
Oil on Canvas
Process for "Hometown"
Painted over an old painting
"Self Portrait 1"
Oil on Canvas
"Self Portrait 2"
Charcoal on Paper
"Musings"
Oil on Canvas
"Self Portrait 3"
Pastel on Paper
"Self Portrait 4"
Watercolor on Paper
Process for Mother
"Mother"
Oil Pastel on Paper
"Mother 2"
Watercolor on Paper
"Embrace"
Oil on Canvas
"Untitled"
Oil on Canvas
"Asleep"
Oil on Canvas