SA 1270: Image Unit
INTRODUCTION:
These were my original ideas when we first started the unit! I really enjoyed learning more about how digital avatars were used in the art world — especially to combat against inequality in technological facial recognition. The articles and different artists we learned about helped be get a better idea of digital masks — it was very fascinating and informative.
AVATAR:
I decided to combine two of my ideas into one to represent my identity as a Korean-American. To represent this, I incorporated both cultures’ art styles into my mask.
When presenting my idea to some classmates, I received positive feedback that the idea was well thought out. However, one voiced that thinking of an effective presentation might be difficult. I also agreed — so I began brainstorming my ideas for the presentation early on.
PERFORMANCE:
For performance, I decided to go with my speech approach:
“Hi, my name is Jennifer Lee.
I am a Korean-American — who was originally born and raised in Korea but came to the states at the age of 7. Korea is a beautiful country full of culture and art centered around their nature and national pride. I chose a piece that well depicts Korea’s art style as the base of my mask to represent my original roots. On top, I drew on a pop-art stylistic make up to represent my new identity that is here in America. Andy Warhol is an artist who specializes in a pop-art style in his work — and one of his most popular pieces is a painting of Marilyn Monroe. I copied the style and colors he chose for her makeup in the painting and put it on top for my mask to represent my American roots.”
Vimeo Link to the performance: https://vimeo.com/jenniferjlee/review/462923179/f31bd16344
CONCLUSION:
Overall, I learned a lot through this project — how facial recognition is used in the world today, brainstorming ways of designing an avatar in a digital space, use of photoshop, and connecting different ideas into one that represented me best.
I mentioned this during my self-assessment; but the one question I kept asking myself during this unit was: “how can I incorporate digital media and art to respond to social issues of the world?” One of the things I struggled most with during my move to America is finding ways to identify myself as a “Korean-American.” I grew up having to explain what culture and country I rooted myself more in; whether I was more “Korean” or “American”; and even feeling outcasted by both cultures. In order to find a way to incorporate both my cultures together, I used my mask to signify popular art styles from both countries and combined the two.
To expand and improve my piece further, I want to incorporate my culture more through the use of my native language. I even thought of splitting my mask in half to represent my Korean identity and the other half to represent my American identity — and make my performance a dialogue between the two. Going back and forth in a conversation from Korean to English; where I’m able to not only point out certain difficult conversations and assumptions I had to face; but also emphasize the significance in the intersection of my two identities.
