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An All American Union
Artist Statment:
An All American Union is a Mixed media oil painting about Asian American identity and the idolization of western media. The piece references 60s rock, the holy trinity, Vegas weddings, cowboys, and Asian American icon Bruce Lee.
This painting represents the union of the separate aspects of my identity: Korean, Chinese and Western. The Elvis bride who is dressed in conservative traditional Korean wedding attire represents my Korean side. Elvis’ legacy in American pop culture and rise to fame, yet quick fall from grace parallels the American dream, a sought after reality for many Korean immigrants. She stands at the altar next to Chinese kung-fu legend Bruce lee, who represents the American, Swedish, Chinese side of my family. His wedding attire only consists of the American traditional leg garter. He wears a cowboy outfit on top, the symbol of All American Masculinity. Overlooking this wedding is the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. The holy trinity of rock and roll in bejeweled costumes reminiscent of Elvis’s famous eagle clad cape.
This wedding portrait is a representation of my cultural identity, my ties to American culture and my familial background of traditional eastern values.
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