2018 Reserved-White

Tokenism, the practice of making only a perfunctory or symbolic effort to be inclusive to members of minority groups, is often criticized for its superficiality. This piece navigates the stark reality of the lack of diversity within the art and cultural sectors, drawing inspiration from traditional painting techniques using water-based mediums. In this method, painters block out white areas before painting, leaving certain spaces deliberately untouched to define forms and boundaries. This series metaphorically employs this technique to scrutinize superficial diversity initiatives that, while outlining the appearance of inclusivity, leave the core—leadership, and decision-making circles—predominantly white and male.

This work critiques the superficiality of cultural institutions’ treatment of "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," highlighting how these institutions mask their homogeneous power structures behind a facade of “racialized” front-end staff. Just as blocked white areas in painting shape the artwork without direct application of color, these diversity efforts shape the narrative without altering the composition of power. By exploring these pre-defined boundaries, "Reserved" reveals the constraints and exclusions imposed behind the scenes, challenging institutions to move beyond performativity and bring true representation and equality to the table.

This collection serves as a critique and a call to action, urging a deeper, more substantive approach to inclusion. It demands a transformation beyond the superficial, advocating for genuine inclusion that reshapes and redefines the core of our societal and artistic landscapes. The work encourages immigrants and outsiders to stay hopeful, waiting for the snow to melt and reveal a landscape where diversity is not just an outline but fills the entire canvas of our collective experience. It calls for an environment where all individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute fully. By understanding and addressing the limitations of tokenism, we can move towards a more authentic form of diversity that enriches the entire landscape of our societal and artistic experiences.