CUT AND LAYERED: EXPLORING IDENTITIES
CUT AND LAYERED: EXPLORING IDENTITIES
Cut and Layered- Exploring Identity examines the formation of female identity shaped by migration through clothing and rituals by delving into the interplay of women’s interior lives and exterior presentations. The project investigates identity’s relationship to beauty, clothing, time, body and land.
I use clothing and rituals to explore these topics more deeply, giving a fresh viewpoint. Clothing isn't just about how it looks; it tells stories about where we come from and where we belong. And rituals aren't just things we do; they affect how we think and feel, giving us important insights into the immigrant journey.
While numerous immigrant artists are delving into themes of identity and migration through their artworks, my approach stands out distinctly. I harness the power of clothing and rituals to delve deeper into these subjects, offering a unique perspective. Clothing serves as more than just outward presentation; it becomes a narrative thread, weaving stories of heritage and belonging. Similarly, rituals are not merely actions; they shape our thoughts and emotions, offering profound insights into the immigrant experience.
In addition to my immersive artworks, I actively involve audiences through performances and workshops, offering a direct connection with my craft and artistic vision. Through these interactive experiences, I extend a compelling invitation for viewers to engage with my creations in unconventional ways, breaking free from the confines of traditional art interactions.
The resulting project will be a dialogue between culture, migration and time. By highlighting the interconnections between clothing, rituals and personal experience, Presence of what; Absence of whom will be a mobile and shape-shifting vision of identity, perpetually reinventing itself, to offer reflection and belonging.
Through interviews of 15 first and second generation immigrant women born in South asia and living in St Louis. This project will use papercut portraits, text, installation and soft sculptures to document the immigrant experiences of these 15 women. Community engagement will involve communal storytelling, performances, and placemaking workshops for installations.
Drawing parallels between moving to a new country and retelling stories, this interdisciplinary project aims to redirect the conversation surrounding political immigration by retelling stories that both memorialize the past and embrace the future.
LILLIAN E SMITH RESIDENCY
I spent my childhood in the Himalayas so I have always been drawn to mountains! In the peaceful quiet of the Georgia mountains, in the spring of 2024, I started a residency that really changed how I see my art. With nature all around me, I found inspiration in the whispering pines and misty mornings. The mountains, majestic and a bit lonely, provided a perfect, calm place for me to dive into my work. Each day, I soaked up the quiet strength of the landscape and poured it into my art, creating pieces that mirrored the raw emotions of my surroundings. This residency was a break from the chaos of daily life and let me connect deeply with my inner voice and the timeless spirit of the mountains.