Graduation Date
2024
Preview
Date of Exhibition
4-12-2024
Title of Exhibition
As We Are
Artist Statement
Fear is an emotion experienced by everyone, but manifests differently depending on an individual’s culture or upbringing. The way negative emotions are treated culturally affects the way an individual responds to them. Many Guyanese families, such as my own, still practice “old school” traditions that carry over to new generations. One of these traditions is holding the women in the family to high expectations. Girls, mostly the eldest daughters, are expected to master certain skill sets and are handed these responsibilities at a young age. Not only are eldest daughters handed these familial responsibilities, but they are also given the stress that comes with it. I would often compare myself to American girls my age because of this. At times, these feelings would often push me away from my culture and caused me to feel negatively towards it. As I grew up, it took time for me to understand the differences between American and Guyanese cultures, and that there would be clashing between the two.
I am not as immersed in my culture as I would like to be, but my paintings portray aspects of it that I cherish. A self-portrait addressing the anxious feelings attached to my role in the family is accompanied by a small series of still life images consisting of objects significant to Guyanese culture. These items are commonly associated with women and the roles they play, including traditional foods, clothing, and other materials of cultural importance. Though certain aspects of my family traditions and values have impacted me heavily, I value my culture and hope to convey this admiration while also bringing attention to the complicated links between mental health and familial expectations.
Type of Work
Painting
Dimensions
40 x 50 x 3 cm
Medium
Acrylic on canvas
Date of Online Publication
5-16-2024
Rights
Copyright 2024, Emily Rambarran. Reproduced with permission. The artists and/or collaborators who contribute to the Rollins College Student Art Gallery and Archive retain the rights to their own works. In making these collection materials available, Rollins College does not grant permission to reproduce or redistribute them, in part or in full. The College does not own the copyright to any of the materials, cannot grant any requests for permission to reproduce them, and will forward reproduction requests to the artists and/or collaborators.
Keywords
painting, art, acrylic, flowers, Guyana, Caribbean, identity