SUBTLETIES

Project Description

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"Growing up as an Asian American, I noticed that a combination of factors such as
language barriers, and cultural differences influenced the way my family and I approached
discussion regarding mental health. Rarely did I have explicit vocal conversation about the topic,
yet there were smaller moments in which I found emotional support to be present. The goal of
my research project was to explore how Asian American identity can impact the way mental
health support is received in a familial context.

I started my research process with oral history interviews of two Asian American families
(a student and parent in both cases) to gain insight into their mental health experiences growing
up. I then reflected upon their responses with portraiture, ink drawings, and poetry. This process
allowed me to remove myself from the role of an observer and relate to my subjects more
deeply. At the same time, it allowed me to create a virtual exhibition webpage entitled Subtleties
from which an audience has multiple entry points to engage with my research. On the website, I
present charcoal portraits alongside direct interview quotes to present a visual aid to a more
traditional method of humanities research. Then, the poems and ink drawings are creative
means which allow the audience to envision themselves in the narratives of the interviewees.

Overall, Subtleties is an exhibition that showcases the nuanced ways in which Asian
Americans do and do not find emotional and psychological support from their families. It
provides windows into the narratives of two Asian American families, and how they interacted
with family during times of low mental health."

-Madison Zhao