Annabelle
Gao

This collection of apparel fabrics is dedicated to the members of immigrant families. My process consisted of scrutinizing our small collection of photographs, interpreting them into artwork to establish narratives. They serve as concrete proof of our heritage, rather than nostalgic remembrance of a time I know little of. This collection commemorates my grandparents’ efforts, creating opportunities and privileges their descendants now have. An  embrace of the freedom of expression they were deprived of by their world. The prints are memorabilia, transposing past accounts, allowing for reinterpretation. I reframe a history of scarcity and oppression into a story of hard work and liberation. As to reclaim the joy of making, celebrating arts culture that was not granted to them.