Parenting is a fascinating journey that involves watching your children grow and develop their own unique personalities. As a parent of two mixed ethnicity Asian American daughters, I am constantly intrigued by how they blend my mannerisms with the cultural influences around them. Living in a city with a large Korean diaspora, my daughters are exposed to a diverse range of Asian bodies and cultural representations that shape their sense of self.
One interesting aspect of this cultural exposure is the global phenomenon of K-pop, which has captured the hearts of many young people, including my five-year-old daughter. She loves mimicking the dance choreography of groups like Blackpink, showcasing how popular culture can influence a child’s identity formation. On the other hand, my preteen daughter is an avid reader of books by Asian-American authors, particularly those that center around Asian-American girls. This immersion in literature that reflects her own identity helps her navigate her mixed ethnicity heritage.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit an exhibition titled “my hands are monsters who believe in magic” at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. Curated by Kris Kuramitsu, the exhibition features the work of 10 artists from the Asian diaspora, exploring themes of identity, technology, and media influence on self-image creation.
One striking installation in the exhibition is Miraj Patel’s “Indexing,” where a smartphone flashlight projects the image of the artist onto a colonial-era photograph of an Indian man. This juxtaposition highlights the complex interplay between personal identity and external influences, showcasing how our self-perception can be shaped by historical narratives and contemporary technology.
Amia Yokoyama’s installation “Wyrm Theory” further delves into the blurred boundaries between self and external influences. Through fragmented videos and stop-motion animations projected onto porcelain discs, Yokoyama’s work challenges viewers to question the authenticity of their preferences and the narratives they internalize from the media.
Jarod Lew’s photograph “Blending in Orange” offers a provocative commentary on assimilation and self-obliteration. By obscuring the face of a figure wearing an orange balaclava among a sea of gray-clad individuals, the artist highlights the tension between blending in with a group and maintaining individual agency.
Ultimately, the exhibition prompts viewers to reflect on the complexities of Asian-American identity and the nuances of personal authenticity. As we navigate the influences of our families, communities, and the media we consume, we are reminded that true identity is a deeply personal and individualized journey that evolves in response to our surroundings.
“my hands are monsters who believe in magic” is a thought-provoking exhibition that challenges us to reconsider the ways in which we construct our identities in a world filled with diverse cultural influences. The show is on display at the Armory Center for the Arts until December 14th, offering a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of self-image creation in a rapidly changing world.
