Illustration —Her World and a Doll

Her World and a Doll

Printing
59.4 x 84.1 cm
2023
Images

As a child, I was discouraged from speaking Shanghaiese at school by the education authority, who instead encouraged me to speak Mandarin.

This experience of being discouraged from expressing my cultural identity has been repeated in other parts of the world, such as Tokyo and London, where my appearance has led to assumptions about my cultural background, resulting in a sense of cultural disorientation. I am aware of both cultures, but not fully accepted by either.

My work aims to explore the complexities of this experience through a series of visual explorations.

These explorations depict the stages of feeling disoriented, becoming comfortable, and ultimately embracing and valuing the intricacies of one's identity through multiple cultures.

By utilising vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and symbolic imagery, I aim to offer a glimpse into the perspectives of outsiders and individuals and those with 'arrogant perceptions.'