Growing up, I experienced the consequences of distance — a lost sense of cultural identity — as a first-generation immigrant from China. Never treated like an equal by my white American peers, I learned to attribute discrimination with the idea that I was in fact, lesser than them. As a result, I turned to the only form of self-expression I knew to reflect upon my dilemma: visual art. My confusion and uncertainties regarding my ethnic identity revealed itself through my art. I believe being an Asian-American gives me an outside perspective on both Chinese and American society.

Much of my work relates to the mixed-culture aspect of my identity, which results in many of my pieces including cultural symbols and personal motifs relating to my life experiences.

One theme I’m especially interested in is the perplexing paradox often seen in Chinese society: the idolization of children coupled with their psychological abuse. Children are portrayed as the epitome of prosperity and joy with their cheerful expressions plastered on holiday posters and statues, but the reality is that many are subjected to impossible standards, resulting in their physical and mental deterioration. In order to flesh out this phenomenon, I turned to my own experiences and research to find out how cultural differences are able to affect the lives of children like me.