My works thread around the concept of identity and the metaphysical branches of life. I believe art empower people to come together and feel a sense of solidarity. It can be interpreted through the eyes of the artist and through the eyes of the viewer. Through this form of creative weapon, I wish to divulge the concealed roots within society. To build a community to share culture, art, music, and food as well as advocating for positive social change is one of my biggest aspirations. As a Japanese American, I must navigate through the histories of colonialism and its echoed impacts of today. I cannot fully wear my culture as a badge of honor if I cannot recognize the damages done by my own ancestral hands. In order to build a better society of people, we must first learn and build from our pasts, acknowledge the roots of our current issues and take action towards a brighter future of our people. And this is my visual manifesto.
