Project
Overview
My
proposed artist intervention project is a mixed-media artwork that explores the
complexities of cultural identity, and the struggles of balancing personal
heritage with societal expectations. Through the creation of a large-scale
butterfly image on canvas, I aim to communicate the themes of transformation and
resilience that migrants often face. The butterfly, as a symbol of change,
serves as the central motif like how it was used in my first project,
reflecting the journey of migration and the adaptation required to fit into new
cultural realms. The butterfly will be drawn and collaged with magazine
clippings, and fabrics toa fill by me, whereas the negative space within the canvas will be used by others to reflect.
I
have chosen this topic because migration is a deeply relevant issue in today's
globalized world. People are constantly moving across borders, and many face discrimination,
and the challenge of preserving their cultural identity while integrating into
unfamiliar places. The intersection of new societies and cultural upbringing is
fraught with misrepresentations. This project allows me to express these
struggles visually and provide a platform for others to contribute their own
experiences. My ultimate objective is to make art that expands beyond my circle.
The
form of outreach for this project is a participatory installation that invites
audience interaction. By combining a canvas collage with a participatory
writing component, I aim to facilitate a dialogue between the artwork and the
audience. The collage will feature pieces—each fragment representing a unique
experience or cultural marker. The exterior of the butterfly will be left open
for the audience to share their thoughts on what "change" means to
them.
Message
for the Audience
The
primary message of this project is the importance of empathy, understanding,
and open dialogue in a world that is increasingly divided by cultural, racial,
and national borders. The piece speaks to the migrant experience, where the
concept of change is not only a personal journey but also a collective
challenge to confront biases and stereotypes. The butterfly, both delicate and
resilient, embodies the idea that transformation can be both beautiful and
difficult, but it is always necessary.
Audience
Engagement and Feedback
The
outreach and engagement of the audience will take place through the display of
the artwork in a public space, specifically as an outdoor installation. The
interactive aspect will involve providing markers or pens for visitors to write/draw
as they please. This participatory element allows direct confrontation, making
their voices an integral part of the artwork. The act of writing encourages
dialogue between people from diverse backgrounds.
The
feedback I expect to receive will likely vary, with individuals offering
personal reflections on their own experiences of migration, transformation, and
adaptation to new cultural environments. The collaborative nature of the
project ensures that the piece evolves over time, as each person adds their own
interpretation of what change means.
Professional
Aspirations and Portfolio
This
project fits into my professional aspirations as an artist who is committed to
using my work as a means of social engagement and cultural reflection. It is
aligned with my desire to create art that is not only visually compelling but
also addresses important issues such as migration, identity, and social
justice. As a professional, I aim to expand my portfolio with works that
reflect my interest in interactive, community-driven art. This project will
serve as a significant example of how art can serve as a platform for dialogue
and reflection, encouraging both individual and collective engagement with
critical issues.
Ultimately,
this intervention will not only contribute to my portfolio but also establish
my reputation as an artist who creates meaningful work that addresses pressing
social issues.
Four
Artists as Inspiration
Yoko
Ono- Specifically for her cut piece. I have great admiration for her comfort
being on stage in a vulnerable position. I want to use fabrics and pieces of
clothing to create a deeper connection with the audience.
Shaun
Leonardo- Although Leonardo is known for his work exploring masculinity and
race, I find inspiration for this piece from a performer’s perspective. Shaun
Leonardo allows his performance and actions to generate a focal point without
much explanation. I aspire to do the same for my intervention.
Marina
Abramovic- I find it fascinating how Abramovic explores the psychic relationship
between the performer and the mind. She allows audiences to participate without
any consequence, heightening creativity and the urge to contribute.
Joseph Beuys- He uses materiality to convey messages. Specifically, with his “End of the 2oth Century” piece using rocks to depict corpses from war experiences. I aim to do the same with the Butterfly Motifs and fabrics to carry messages across space and time.
Three
Quotes
“We
make sense of our world through symbols and stories at least as much as we do
through facts and figures.”
This quote emphasizes the power of
storytelling and symbolism in shaping our understanding of the world,
suggesting that emotions, experiences, and narratives often resonate more
deeply than mere data. I am inspired by this quote because I value emotional
connection with my piece.
“Artists
and activists are always operating within a cultural context. To be heard and
understood, an activist needs to know how to use popular culture, but they also
need to know how to transform it so that it speaks to and for their own cause.”
Artists
must not only engage with the prevailing cultural context but also subvert it
to amplify their own message, ensuring it resonates with, and drives change in
society. Interpretation is key, and I value others’ interpretations for the
outcome of this project.
“We
are always drawing from repositories of words, images, and meanings that
already exist.”
Nothing
is original. The only exciting thing about contemporary art is that it is up to
artists to be resourceful and push concepts further to communicate messages.
Links:
The
25 Most Influential Works of American Protest Art Since World War II - The New
York Times
Art as
Activism: How Protest Art Challenges the Status Quo | MyArtBroker | Article
First Intervention
Performance
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