My series of self portraits allow me to dive into my childhood, roots, and Asian-American identity with a playful yet critical lens. I often use fond nostalgic elements quintessential to my Asian-American childhood (e.g. eating White Rabbit candy, playing Street Fighter, and watching Anime) as a juxtaposition to much deeper issues such as the generational trauma and cultural dissonance we experience growing up in an Asian immigrant household. Mental health is rarely ever a conversation with my parents as a first gen child.
Having conflicting values of financial stability and artistic passions when it comes to choosing careers. And finally, learning how to say "no," setting healthy boundaries, and speaking up for myself in an authoritarian household. Not only do these digital creations help me reclaim and take pride in my Asian identity, the artistic process is a vehicle for me to unpack all of these discourses I face in my adolescence.
