COURSE: Asian 100
MEDIUM: Digital Illustration, Zine
DESCRIPTION:
Thesis: Racial insecurities evoke an individual’s anxiety as one struggles to both separate from and coexist with their racial identity. Main conflict: The central conflict in the graphic novel/zine revolves around the protagonist’s internal struggle with her racial identity and physical features—particularly her Asian black hair, which she perceives as making her stand out in an isolating way.
Conclusion: The novel ends on an open-ended note, suggesting that the protagonist’s journey toward self-acceptance is ongoing, reflecting the complexities of identity.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
This graphic novel is a deeply personal exploration of racial identity, self-perception, and the tension between individuality and belonging. Inspired by my own experiences and observations, the story captures the protagonist’s evolving relationship with her Asian black hair—an external marker of identity that, for her, becomes both a source of pride and anxiety. Through this work, I hope to offer a nuanced portrayal of racial identity and the personal battles tied to it, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with belonging and self-acceptance.
