Chandana Reddy - Study: (Cultural) Identity <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/css/general.css" /> </head> <body> <div id="container"> <div id="logo"> <a href="/index.html"><img src="/images/logo.gif" alt="Chandana Reddy" /></a> </div> <br class="clear" /> <div id="menucontainer"> <ul> <li><a href="/about.html">ABOUT</a></li> <li><a href="/index.html">PORTFOLIO</a></li> <br class="clear" /> </ul> <br class="clear" /> </div> </div> <div id="content"> <div class="headerbox"> <h1>STUDY: (CULTURAL) IDENTITY</h1> <p class="headerboxp">This piece was exhibited at the Oakland University Art Gallery for the Exhibit entitled “Revolutionizing Cultural Identity: Photography and the Changing Face of Immigration”</p> </div> <div class="headerboxborder"></div> <div class="headerbox" style="height:40px;"></div> <div class="contentbox"> <div class="headerbox"> <div class="left"> <div class="portfolioimg floatnone"> <img src="/images/cultural_identity.jpg" alt="Study: (Cultural) Identity" /> </div> </div> <div class="projectinfo"> <h2>Artist Statement</h2> <p>How do we define identity? One dictionary states that it is "the state or fact of remaining the same one or ones, as under varying aspects or conditions." Definitions like this, while useful, are not sufficient to circumscribe the idea of identity because as human beings we are complex and multifaceted. At some point in our lives, we wonder who we are. This exploration can lead people in many directions. Personally, it led me to reflect upon my cultural heritage.</p> <p>Being an Indian American, I have struggled with my culturally diverse background and my equal love for both influences. It is difficult to merge these very different cultures into one identity. Even after stripping oneself of all material objects, confusion remains.</p> <p>This confusion arises from the realization that there is always a difference in what we believe our identity to be, what we want others to perceive, and what others construct as our identity. We can never strip ourselves completely of any particular cultural determinant and yet it is a struggle to understand one's self as having just one all-encompassing identity.</p> <p style="font-size:14px;padding:0px 0px 5px 0px;margin:0px;">Press:</p> <p style="padding:0px;margin:0px;;"><a style="font-size:12px;" href="http://www.oakland.edu/view_news.aspx?sid=38&nid=4521" target="new">Oakland University News</a></p> <p style="padding:0px;margin:0px;"><a style="font-size:12px;" href="http://www.metrotimes.com/archives/story.asp?id=12757" target="new">Metro Times</a></p> </div> <br class="clear" /> </div> </div> <br class="clear" /> <div id="footer"></div> </body> </html>