Cao

Description

Second Self is a self-portrait sculpture, and contemporary identity exploration of our multiple selves (digital and other). Created in conversation with iPhone photography, AI, and a 3d carving robot, Shirley works with them to refine this newest portrait of her. Using the symbolic power of materials, Second Self elevates the contemporary Chinese American woman into marble and holds it in conversation with ancient, classical and neoclassical sculpture in the Western canon. Through her piece, Shirley sets out to challenge traditional holders of power and confront the viewer with the fragility of representation and identity.

Process

I was motivated by 3 key themes (a) My identity as an Asian woman, (b) Technology’s role in creation, (c) Marble as a medium. (a) Identity: Identity as we know in modernity is “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual”. Identity can be externally and internally imposed and particularly when thinking about racial or ethnic identity, it’s typically the former that becomes more important. In this piece I want to explore the concept of identity as an Asian American woman working through associations with subservience, sexualization and ultimately it’s a canvas for externally imposed characteristics. (b) Technology’s role in creation. Technology and particularly AI generation is the newest tool in creation and as a result leaves markers on our work that we as artists are still exploring. In this process driven piece, technology will shape how the result ultimately turns out. (c) Marble as a physical material is in contrast to the digital imagery I’m trying to bring into the physical world. Marble as a historically western medium brings this piece into the conversation of the western art canon. Marble busts have historical significance to memorialize kings, nobility and gods, and by using it to create a bust of an Asian woman it has a quality of elevating them into that category. But in using technology, it also creates layers of accessibility begging the question - does it elevate you if anyone can be there?

Tools

My project was to create a marble bust of myself as an Asian american woman, but put through layers of generative technology. First taking an image of myself and putting it through a 3D AI simulator, then using the robot to digitally carve the 3d design, and finally finishing it off by hand myself. It’s ultimately a material exploration through multiple “materials” which will each leave a lasting mark on the final result. First the digital 2D image, chosen from hundreds of images and ultimately a “selfie” designed for digital consumption. Second the 3D design, as the 2D image is put through multiple simulators to select the final design. And finally the actual marble carving broken down into two steps - the robot which will digitally carve and myself who will hand carve, both which will let the marble take on parts of the final form. The process is part of the project in letting these technologies serve as a metaphor for externally imposed identifiers that will determine what the end result will be, and what “Shirley” will come out as and who “I” get to become at the end of the day.