My Dakota Body
Performance Video
2018
My Dakota Body uses the method of masking, costuming, and manipulating the body to call attention to the tensions between navigating personal histories and inherited social and cultural histories of a space and geography. Specifically, the costumed figure draws parallels between the American "white-washing" historical practices and the now socially acceptable and sometimes fetishized martial arts tradition or oriental fetishization. Clad with gold glitter boxing wraps, three overstuffed hanboks, five-layered martial arts uniforms and a full white-washed body, My Dakota Body harnesses the power of layering, costuming, and a symbolic performance to draw visual parallels. In many ways, the layering technique is a utilized as a visual metaphor for both the Korean culture, and the American white culture and the struggle or swallowing that was taking place within my existence. Where did I exist within these narratives?
Performance Video
2018
My Dakota Body uses the method of masking, costuming, and manipulating the body to call attention to the tensions between navigating personal histories and inherited social and cultural histories of a space and geography. Specifically, the costumed figure draws parallels between the American "white-washing" historical practices and the now socially acceptable and sometimes fetishized martial arts tradition or oriental fetishization. Clad with gold glitter boxing wraps, three overstuffed hanboks, five-layered martial arts uniforms and a full white-washed body, My Dakota Body harnesses the power of layering, costuming, and a symbolic performance to draw visual parallels. In many ways, the layering technique is a utilized as a visual metaphor for both the Korean culture, and the American white culture and the struggle or swallowing that was taking place within my existence. Where did I exist within these narratives?