Kathy H. Zhou，“All for You”, 30”x40”, Mixed Media (tempera grassa, leather soft sculpture collage on canvas)
Kathy H. Zhou，“For the Best”，30”x40”, Mixed Media (tempera grassa, leather soft sculpture collage on canvas)
On Children
Kahlil Gibran 1883 – 1931And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, Speak to us of Children.And he said:Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.They come through you but not from you,And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.You may give them your love but not your thoughts,For they have their own thoughts.You may house their bodies but not their souls,For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.From The Prophet (Knopf, 1923). This poem is in the public domain.
2024 Masquerade
This project explores the vibrant, often misunderstood world of outsiders and subculture groups, celebrating their unique self-expression and examining themes of identity, acceptance, and the harsh realities of rejection and superficial judgments. Inspired by Kahlil Gibran's words, it reflects on the journey of these individuals as they navigate societal expectations and personal desires, embodying the courage to pursue their true selves amidst pressures to conform.My subjects are members of these subcultures, such as cosplay enthusiasts, who boldly express their identities through attire and makeup, often facing scrutiny and opposition from family and strangers. They stand at a crossroads, embodying the courage to pursue their true selves amidst societal pressures to conform. Yet, not all manage to resist the tide. Many face significant pressure from parents who wish their children to adhere to cultural conventions, often presenting their ideas of what is best as a "gift" to guide them on a "normal" path.Many young people disguise themselves, hiding their thoughts and feelings to please their loved ones. They put on a facade, masking their genuine selves to align with others' expectations. However, their inner dissatisfaction often finds an outlet through exaggerated styles and appearances, a silent rebellion against the imposed norms.Reflecting on Gibran's insights, this project acknowledges that these young individuals, much like living arrows, have their own thoughts and souls dwelling in the house of tomorrow. They come through us but do not belong to us. We must strive to understand and support their unique journeys, loving them for who they are and who they aspire to become. As the bows from which these arrows are sent forth, we must bend with gladness, allowing them to fly swift and far, embracing the beauty in their flight and the strength in our support.