Words of Affirmation

Self-reflection and auto-ethnography are central to my immersive installation artworks. Using myself as the subject, I aim to visually express my personal journey and years of practicing self-censorship. Inspired by contemporary artists like Hito Steyerl, I explore how visual language can articulate concepts related to postcolonial issues and depression.

By conducting interviews with migrant women from diverse backgrounds (with Research Ethics Board approval), I seek to uncover shared experiences and patterns of self-censorship. These interviews will provide data and stories that form the foundation of my visual work and theoretical investigation, highlighting both commonalities and deeper understandings of migrant experiences.

This project examines the dichotomy of inside and outside through self-figure photographs of myself dancing, overlaid with affirmations recommended by my psychotherapist. These words, originally part of my daily journaling practice to improve mental well-being, juxtapose the façade presented to my adopted society with the internal struggles I faced as a newcomer to Canada, dealing with homesickness and emotional challenges.

My immersive installation invites audiences to navigate the space, encouraging contemplation of the position of new migrants and the discomfort they may endure while trying to integrate into new environments. This artwork fosters empathy and understanding of the complex emotional landscape of migration, highlighting the often-hidden aspects of the migrant experience.