Artist statement

Finding your identity is a dimensional and complicated journey. For me, facets of my identity build upon the influences of my Filipino-Australian background and the culmination of childhood memories and beliefs. A Vivid Retrospective depicts this intersection. Its versicoloured surface appears kaleidoscopic with the hues blending together, but specific colours reveal one of three layers. The image under green light represents my journey and identity as an artist, from the singular stroke of the paintbrush to a non-representative self-portrait. Blue light, used to symbolise stability, reveals my cultural heritage and its significance to me, while red light, reflecting this country’s arid climate, alludes to the Australian values I have adopted. The illusory nature of the agamograph changes the image displayed depending on your position. This transformation, blurring from one image to the next, portrays these converging influences and the progression of time occurring in my personal journey.

Process

Six images were digitally drawn using Procreate. Yellow images symbolise my Filipino identity, cyan symbolises my Australian identity and magenta represents my social identity. These layers were then merged to create two separate images, which were then spliced in Adobe Photoshop before being printed and folded into an agamograph. Brackets were made using a 3D printer at the correct angle so the work could be mounted on top of plywood. An LED light strip was coded using Arduino and fitted above the work using aluminum so the images change before your eyes under the coloured lights.

About the artist

Studying visual art has opened up opportunities to continue inspiring the creative flame burning inside. I focused on the concept of identity in my Year 12 works, exploring what defines me, what I’m defined as, and overall reflecting upon my values and principles. From exploring what interests me to society’s perceptions, this creative journey expanded into a personal reflection of my identity and have become strengthened by it in turn. These ideas were of interest to me because the personal attachment allows me to venture media areas that I am fascinated by. I often used mediums that allowed elements of colour to be the center of focus like physical or digital illustration. What I’ve learnt from studying visual art is to embrace mistakes made along the way of my art journey and develop creative problem-solving skills.