riley suh
exploration of self
I began this body of work with the theme of "what bites." I have interpreted biting as the events, people, and concepts that eat away at us, whatever they may be. I chose to confront the constructs of racism and sexism that I have experienced and, though they are not always blunt, they gnaw away at me slowly.
Through the use of vibrant primary colors and contrasting bold, inky lines, I have used block printing to attack the balance between identifiers and identity and the space in which identifiers do not overlap with one’s self-perception. For instance, though I always considered myself as the American girl next door, I have been deemed “exotic” since I was a child.
My magnification of microaggressions and examination of their impact on the aforementioned identity/identifier parable is essential to my art’s inspiration. I aim to unwrap the identity that has been made for me based on recognizable traits; Asian, female, foreign, small, bossy, etc. and to recreate the way I see myself - through the direct denunciation and correction of stereotypes and assumptions that have accumulated over the years.
As we live through quarantine in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, racism against Asians has reared its ugly head and we have all been forced into self reflection. I am taking this time to focus on how I interact with the world around me - especially when no one is watching.
about me
3/26
I am in my house, using the front room which is a formal living room that never gets used because it only has white furniture, but also has many windows. It is also far away from busy parts of the house so hopefully quieter.
Emotionally, I feel like I am mourning experiences I have looked forward to and worked toward for the last twelve years. I actually feel fine about the virus itself though right now as I already practice constant hand washing and disinfecting. (PS leave your packages out for a day or two, lysol the package prior to opening, or use gloves. It can live on cardboard for a few days although there is no confirmation whether this is a form of transmission yet.)
Creatively, I have stayed in the same theme especially watching the explosion of racism against Asian cultures but I am also experiencing extreme laziness because nothing is requiring me to leave my couch/bed.
5/07
The sun is out, and I feel as if I have been struck with motivation and optimism. I am writing this from the same front room that I mentioned before. It has become my most used room in the house and as I prepare to move to Plymouth, I am living in the moments I will miss. I wish I had the same knowledge when I was still at school, knowing that every day was a day I would look back at fondly.
Emotionally, I feel flat. However, I have become much better at spending time with myself and avoiding boredom. There is always something to do, even if small. I try to appreciate my morning coffee like it’s the best coffee I have ever had and do the same with all my other daily routines. This has certainly given my days more worth.
Creatively, I do not feel a need to create right now. I am more interested in observing. Spring is such a time of change and growth and it seems that my street looks different every week. I have been dabbling in pop-art-esque art with Lichtenstein knock offs. I am also trying some photography because of my interest in observing.
Hope everyone is making the most of their free time. Hope everyone is safe. Miss you. xx
