A Moment of Omens

Abstract

A Moment of Omens is an installation of my mother’s apron, slippers, rosary, and norigae (a decorative pendant in Korean culture), as well as a torn photograph of her and her lover (my father) with red tape. Here, the apron and slippers are presented to the viewer, lying in wait for its intended occupant, my mother. They symbolize the assignment of the important work that my mother is expected to do: housework. She is expected to carry on this feminine tradition of being a homemaker, as well as experiencing the prescribed notions it carries. The rosary and norigae act as protective charms to ward off any evil, but they also represent the split between my mother’s dedication to Western customs (and therefore, assimilation) and Eastern customs (and therefore, staying true to her indigenous roots). At the center of this presentation lies a torn photograph of my mother and her lover, pieced together with red tape. Here, there arises the question: does the red tape symbolize the seemingly fateful union of the couple, or is it an attempt to make amends of uncertain realities? Overall, this installation brings into question what lies ahead for my mother's future (and her selfhood), as well as the futures of countless other Asian-American women. When it comes to Embodied’s primary themes of feminism, gender, and sexuality, this piece presents a feminist perspective centering an experience that Asian-American women (who were historically excluded from the predominantly white feminist movement) face within their own communities. Asian-American women have the sexist notion of the docile, submissive, and obedient housewife pushed upon them, limiting their ability to create their own futures. Furthermore, under imperialist capitalism, housework has been transformed to be seen as a natural attribute of women, as if it's their internal need and aspiration. With all this being established, Asian-American women experience a particular struggle of asserting their autonomy and taking control of their own narratives (both within and outside of their communities) - which is what I explore in my artistic practice. This installation is an invitation to observe how Asian-American women are perceived within their own spaces, as well as a confrontation of the precarious realities these women experience to this day.