It is Hard to Explain Myself. Do You Understand Me?

Identity is so complex and multi-faceted. To wholly understand one another can feel like a task with no end, but I believe it is always worth it to try to understand and be understood. When I meet with others for the first time, there's suspense in me whether or not they will 'get' who I am. It does get tiresome to try to give context to others about myself. Sometimes I think to myself: 'Why can't you just understand who I am without having to ask weird questions? Why am I the person you're asking about these things?' My artwork is a reflection on various conversations I regularly have with people about various aspects of my identity, such as my ethnic background, my artistry, and my queer-ness. Some conversations feel procedural, some feel awkward, some feel great, some are just plain funny.