Hailey Shen

Holding a cup, I am face-to-face with a silhouette version of myself. While my self-portrait to the left is still present, grounded in a natural world, the other figure is animated, filled with abstract lines and shifting forms. The animated self reflects the parts of us that are difficult to articulate, such as emotion and thought. The piece explores the fragmented nature of identity in a world that constantly asks us to present and simplify ourselves. Surrounding the piece is a custom frame with vibrant squares and rectangles, suggesting that we often break ourselves down into digestible parts to fit into systems of expectation or social identity. Expression, whether through art or reflection, can be a vital path towards integrating the many facets of ourselves.

13” x 17.5”
Acrylic paint, board, digital animation