An Observation of Gender Roles in Japan : A Senior Individualized Project

Abstract

The artist writes “My life has been a constant exploration into my identity as a half-Japanese woman. The past few years in college have allowed me to expand my views and experience Japan first-hand. The point of my artwork is to share cultural observations with the viewers, as well as some insight into my personal identity. My undergraduate major is in International Studies, but my all-time passion is in art. This is why I decided to incorporate both interest into my Senior Individual Project. My work looks at the gender roles produced by Japan's consumerist culture post- World War II. I try to produce work that focuses on the objectification of women and gender manipulation. With each piece I seek to question the role that gender divisions have on Japanese culture and challenge the viewers as well with their own interpretations. Using my International Area Studies major and my passion for art, I created my thesis through experience, academics, and imagination. With work ranging from fluid colorful forms to rigid animated figures, I try to represent how the divisions between genders can be less definitive than previously conceived.”