Allegory

ALLEGORY BY KAITLIN LITT

Three Above

Mikami WRITTEN BY LILI MIKAMI

Three Above Mikami is an installation

consisting of a single channel projection and ceramics/ concrete. The installation features stamping of a limb gradually increasing in area on the skin; the 3D ceramic pieces are scattered at the base scaling and sitting on the wall in and around the projection. The Kanji throughout the work is the artists ‘Lili’s’ surname ‘Mikami’; in Japan, surnames are also known to serve a purpose as a signature in written and stamp form. The act of gradual stamping seeks to lead the viewers on a 2-3-minute journey of accepting heritage and identity proudly. Beginning with no visible markings and identifiable traits on her forearm of a specific race, heritage and or Identity this is a representation of the shame and hiding of her Japanese heritage. As the kanji, ‘ ’ (Mikami) begins to take over the skin Lili becomes intertwined with the Kanji markings. As she twists and turns to exhibit proudly the change to her façade the stamps display the acceptance of herself as both Asian and Caucasian, not one or the other.