BRITTLE AND TRANSPARENT LIKE GLASS contemplates my mixed Japanese and Anglo-Australian heritage, exploring the abstract space that exists between these two cultures. Navigating this duality, I confront the intricate emotions of shame and pride tied to my cultural identity, often reflecting on my childhood memories of Tokyo—train stations, tiled streets, and the unspoken details of daily life
【☆】★【☆】
Through my work, I seek to articulate a sense of belonging that feels both familiar and elusive. My annual visits to Japan have shaped my perception of space and time, creating a sanctuary for my imagination while simultaneously intensifying feelings of alienation. I grapple with the idea of how my life might have unfolded had I been raised in a single culture, yearning for an idealised and complete version of myself anchored in that identity.
【☆】★【☆】
In my art, I aim to reconcile this internal conflict, employing imagery that resonates with my experiences. One recurring symbol of my mixed experience is my habitual ‘Asian squat’ posture, a remnant of my childhood habits that connects me to my heritage. Despite being viewed as undignified in the contemporary contexts of both Australia and Japan, this position grounds me and fosters a sense of pride and belonging as I think back to my ancestors performing the squat.
Ultimately, my work reflects a personal exploration of identity, memory, comparison and the search for connection, inviting engagement with the nuances of cultural heritage and the complexities of self-discovery.
