Acrylic on wood

Beyond the Surface

Size

24 × 48 in

Year

2026

Edition

Original — one of one

In this piece, I have illustrated myself in a dress with the flags of my ethnicities at the bottom, and moving up, the dress transitions into one solid colour, representing that mindset can change the outlook of a person. As a person who is half asian and half white, sometimes I feel as if I am not asian or white enough. However, what really matters is what is inside, that I can make an extravagant, vibrant change like the colourful butterflies shown in the painting. This piece represents my acceptance of who I am, embracing my inner beauty rather than listening to categorization. I hope my piece can relate to others who have felt the burden of categorization through race, and that what matters is making your own change, of beauty, and acceptance.