Pink and Me
Jiayi W.
Acrylic, Plastic Sheet
-
When I was young, I used to distance myself from things that were seen as “girly,” and how could anything be nastier than the color pink? Internalized misogyny made me hate pink because it represents weak and fragile girls. Eventually, I stepped away from these harmful stereotypes and embraced my femininity. At the same time, as I realized that the system devalues traditionally feminine qualities and elevates masculine traits, I felt restricted. In my piece, a younger, happier me stands against a dark blue background behind an older me in vibrant pink who lacks the joy. I used the colors to create contrast between the conflicted feelings I hold and the transparency of the plastic conveys that these two parts, albeit different, is what makes up who I am. The comfort of succumbing to the double standards of society constantly tugs at me.
-
I think creativity is being able to express yourself in unconventional ways. It is being able to figure out a new way to send a message about something. It is having an imagination that allows you to create unique and original things.
