DualMy acrylic painting "Dual" explores the polarity of my experiences growing up in a Chinese immigrant household as I navigate the weight of cultural expectations and find my own identity. The left side of this painting reflects the "perfect self" that my parents desire. It is conveyed through warm yellows, representing my parents' sense of pride and excellence, and a cheerful expression, alluding to a “mask” I pull on daily. On the right side, the “ugly” part of me, consisting of anxiety, stress, and self-doubt, is revealed. The dark blue and gray undertones characterize these feelings. This side depicts me lying on my bed as it is one of the few times I can let my raw emotions out and feel comfortable in my skin. It is intentionally left imperfect and nearly “incomplete” to mimic my flawed inner emotions. The blurred movement between the two faces and the harsh transition from warm to cool tones show how my two identities co-exist yet clash. However, this painting is not just a reflection of my experience but it also symbolizes a common and relatable experience across countless teens as they struggle to define their individuality and character. |