Thomas Hu
Fragments of Perception
Prompt: In this project, we will have a kaleidoscopic view onto the expression of ourselves. The self: a complex, shifting set-of-parts & elements that comprises who we are, our identity. How do we encounter our self? How do we express our self? How does the self evolve over time, from the past, to the present, to the future? How are then we perceived by others? How do we continually renew ourselves throughout life as we evolve Who/what are the many people and experiences we embody with us, that shape us? These are some questions that will direct our studio project for Bridge 3&4. We will study examples of artists self portraits, historic and contemporary, in a range of media.
I want to explore different sides of me through the portrait. I believe that we can never fully understand and see ourselves, we can only see through photos, mirror reflections, and people’s perspectives. Hence I am curious about “who am I?” and will delve deeper into this topic. Likewise, I considered the elements, memories, events, and people that created who I am today. Different people have diverse perspectives on who I am. Each person sees me in a unique way, both literally and metaphorically, and their perceptions often vary greatly. To one, I might appear calm and indifferent, while to another, I might be passionate and intense. These diverse perceptions intrigue me because they reveal that identity is multifaceted and they are shaped as much by external interpretation as internal understanding. In this portrait, I aim to explore the relations between these contrasting views how I see myself, how I believe others see me, and how those perceptions might differ, showing the complexity of self-identity and the contradictions that define us.
