I began work being fascinated by the cultural
significance of the Chinese cloud motif and the meanings and historical influences
on its representation across China and South East Asia. China and its society connect
to my cultural background of Chinese-Indonesian heritage and after research the
cloud became a symbol for me of my search for meaning and identity. My
investigations have helped me to express who I really am as a mixed-blood person
and my struggle to find my identity and place in Indonesia. Inspiration comes
from influences such as family and the many different cultural views that have
evolved around my life. Indonesia’s umbrella of inclusion through Pancasila,
and multiculturalism in the West, have influenced the way I think and perceive
the world, as I have had opportunity to travel. There has always been though, a
blurred confusion within myself of my true identity, and which nationality I
belong to as well as the cultural norm that I should follow.
My
first artworks were of my family, contributing to the theme of identity,
relationship and a common dilemma of true identity. Drawing upon Chinese
traditional ancestor paintings, overlaid with Perspex Chinese cloud motifs I
have created a reflection for the viewer to try and see themselves as seekers
of identity in today’s world. This came from an interest in lumography. The
figures in my paintings wear rank badges, as a concession to their Chinese
ancestry and modern brands that they can afford in today’s consumer culture, offering
a further blurring of identity as cultures fuse and overlap.
Throughout
the two years of IB art program, I have learned skills in painting, analysis and
improved my language skills, I also learned to express myself through my practical
works. I now understand more about my place in the world and the value of hard
work and research as a mechanism to understanding.
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