title to come

artist statement:

Throughout childhood, I grew up with stories and photos of the ancestors, people to look up to, to learn from, and to respect. These mythical beings loomed over to keep the family on the one true path that was not to be strayed from. Often, as a child, I would wander from this path and then be burdened by the guilt of remembering the hardships the ancestors faced so I could be where I am and reminded of the sacrifices I must make in order to see the family prosper. I began living for the other and not for myself, sacrificing pieces of who I am to please those that would not do the same for me. I grew to feel that it was my duty to atone for the sins of my ancestors and hide my true identity

The work deals with the idea of needing to be perfect to fit the familial ideals and the nuclear family model. The desire to be accepted by one's family and make them proud of not only who you are but also what you have achieved for the family. Wanting to please every member and failing to do so. The trauma that comes from this failure and doing what you’re told. Who am I, if not a product of my family? Where do I fit into the family narrative? I seek to break free from the cyclical nature of my own family unit and halt these shared traumas in their path and in doing so, discover who I actually am, away from the family.

ironing to perfection, documentation of a live performance, digital video, 2021