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Curatorial Rationale
Identity is an inherent part of one's self that defines who one is. Thus, the theme of my exhibition is Identity? With the titles ending as questions, my pieces aim to explore the different aspects of identity, mainly how it can be shaped, portrayed and manifested. Allowing one to question how one's identity is formed. The concepts of the individual pieces are based on personal past experiences, knowledge, and what I observe in the world around me.
I have always been fascinated by the different ways that one’s identity can manifest or be shaped. My pieces tend to incorporate human figures or aspects of them such as the eyes and hands in order to solidify the idea of identity throughout the pieces. Inspired by surrealist artworks, keeping a consistent theme of human figures allowed me to play around with other aspects of the piece, expressing the different ways identity can change. When working with my materials, I wanted my artworks to generally have a muted and dark tone. This was one main reason why I chose to work with ink for some of my artworks. Not only did the black and white quality add to the overall tone of the piece, but it also made the message of the piece stand out. Similarly, for my digital and acrylic pieces, staying away from light and vibrant colours allowed me to keep the cohesiveness between all my pieces.
My pieces are intentionally arranged to tell a story, exploring the different themes of Identity in a structured manner, like a camera zooming out of an image. At the start, the pieces are more personal to me as an individual and more colourful. As one passes through the exhibition, the pieces not only become more muted and darker in tone, but they also start to portray identity in a sense that is less personal to me. Consequently, my pieces are able to explore identity in two different spectrums. The first is the light and dark aspects of identity that also is depicted through the colour schemes of the pieces. While the second is my identity and identity as portrayed through media, as demonstrated in the concepts of each piece. Thus, through my exhibition, I aim to raise awareness of how varied identity can be. In that it can be changed, either willingly or not, or it can be inborn as a part of ourselves.
What Are Your Roots?
Acrylic on wood, 37 x 33.5 in
Commonly called the windows to one’s soul, this artwork depicts an eye spread across multiple wooden panels of different sizes. The broken panels represent how people can be unsure of their identity. This is contrasted by the consistency of the eye across panels showing that who I am remains constant. The flowers that can be seen were referenced from those that grow in my mom’s garden, a reference to the title, as a reminder to remember where I come from as it is a great part of who I am.
Nature, Nurture, or Both?
Digital Art, 3508 × 4960 px
Nature vs Nurture, a common psychological debate that talks about whether one’s identity is inborn or curated by their environment. With the left side depicting nature, and the right depicting nurture, the middle showcases a juxtaposition of both. A stone made of nature that has been carved through nurture shows how a person's identity can be a result of both nature and nurture.
Reference Image: Billie Eilish by Takashi Murakami GARAGE Magazine Issue 16
Where are the Pieces?
Digital Art, 1350 × 1080 px
In some ways, one’s identity can often be thought of as a puzzle. We are constantly developing as we live through life, and oftentimes discover new pieces of ourselves as we continue to live. This artwork depicts this, showing that while one’s identity may not always be complete, there is a big picture nonetheless.
Do You Want to Change?
Ink on Paper, 39 × 27 cm
In some cases, identity is something that we change ourselves. For instance, this painting depicts a person being stretched out, symbolizing a stressor that is causing the person to change. In some cases, this stressor is one we force upon ourselves, as is symbolized by the hand on the bottom. Other times, these stressors are caused by external factors that we have no control over, as is shown by the hand on top. Either way, both stressors cause the person to stretch and change their identity.
Do You Really Want to Change?
Ink on Paper, 33.5 × 24 cm
This artwork depicts another, more sinister aspect of identity. There are many cases in today’s society, wherein people will shape their identity in order to fit the standards of society. Something which becomes increasingly more common with social media. With the hands surrounding a person who is slumped in despair, this artwork is a visual representation of identity that is shaped to fit the pressures of society.
Who Are You Really?
Acrylic on Canvas, 20 × 30 in
The title of this artwork demonstrates what it is meant to convey. Oftentimes, how celebrities are portrayed in the media are very different from who they really are. The television screens surrounding the person are meant to signify this, showing aspects of themselves that only the public can see. In contrast, the person represents who they really are, the side of themselves that is hidden from the public.
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