URCAD Sneak Peek: Dylan Chao

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:53:38 -0400

URCAD is LIVE now, through April 24, online! You can view presentations and interact with student presenters.

URCAD.umbc.edu

Through the Lens: An Exploration of Gender, Identity, and the Queer Asian-American Experience
Presenter: Dylan Chao

Mentor: Jules Rosskam (Visual Arts)

Abstract:

Photography is one of the most powerful mediums of art, because of its ability to showcase the world through an artist's eyes. Despite this, however, in western media only a select group of voices are pushed to the forefront. Unfortunately these selections tend to favor white voices while discounting those of minorities. This marginalization extends beyond the art world and bleeds into other communities as well. Growing up as a queer Asian individual, I was often excluded from multiple communities I identified with and felt my voice was not worthy or deserving of being heard. Compelled by this, this series of photographs explores the expression of gender, my identity as a queer Asian individual, as well as the unique Asian American experience. I hope that this project inspires and empowers others to live unafraid and unapologetically.

Dylan is a URA Scholar and a Linehan Artist Scholar.