Artist Statement

My artistic practice is centered around the transformative power of repetition—doing, undoing, and redoing—to explore the complexities of existence as a racialized, HIV+(poz) immigrant artist navigating a polarized Western society. Through deconstruction and reconstruction, my work reflects the fluctuating realities of life, marked by both progression and setbacks. In this journey, my art seeks to foster determination, empathy, and love in the face of adversity.

My creative process extends beyond the confines of purely visual art, embracing writing and performative elements to stimulate dialogue around the intersection of HIV and art. The stage serves as a dynamic medium for me to engage audiences in conversations that transcend conventional boundaries, urging them to contemplate the unspoken, the taboo, and the depths of personal emotions.

My sculptures, crafted from reclaimed textiles, and found materials symbolize my dedication to revealing beauty and purpose amidst chaos. While employing sustainable practices, I aim to challenge societal constructs of consumption and invite audiences to question their perceptions of everyday life and mass production/consumption.

Drawing from the realm of primary emotional story arcs, I explore the nuances of tragedy, vulnerability, and tenacity in my work. As I look towards the future, my artistic journey is guided by the following poetic expression of my motivations:

Unfinished, unprocessed

husky, musky, yellow-tinged and light

your very existence captures the essence of armour

heavy, plain-woven, unbleached, and coarse

soft and jagged edges you achieve and endorse

historically woven by cāliyan hands

the undone remnants of garments reclaimed

a new purpose in processed pieces remains 

oh calico, as unfinished and unprocessed as you may exist

you are refined, versatile, adjustable and are bright

from flat-rolled to form-built and back

you are now, once again flattened, but with character and brack.