INGRAINED delves into themes of culture, relationships, and
identity, exploring the ways in which our social identities are
shaped by our personal experiences and the broader cultural
context. Through intimate video and audio works, the artists in
this section explore the tension between individual and collective
identity, and how culture and relationships can either inspire or
constrain us.
Hearts 4 You
Fariha Rahman
Home Nexus
Natalie Zhong
Something More
Khaliya McCall
Land of Opportunity
Alejandro Perez-Leon
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Hearts 4 You
Fariha Rahman
“Hearts 4 You” is Rahman’s latest video piece exploring the
joys of life, primarily focusing on friendship, familial
bonds, and self-love. Through social practice art she collects
personalized drawings of hearts from loved ones, emphasizing
their presence in her life. The motion of the hearts in the
video serves as a reminder of the love and positivity that
exists in one’s universe. Even in the darkest of times, there
is always a shine of light to be by your side. Just like how
the stars and planets create wonder in our universe, “Hearts 4
You” is a visual depiction of the love that fills her
universe. <3
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Home Nexus
Natalie Zhong
Natalie Zhong created a video exploring the concepts of time
and identity using found footage, still images, and sound. She
aims to showcase the ups and downs of everyday life,
highlighting the struggles of early 20-year-olds. Zhong drew
inspiration from Gaspar Noé’s films, which helped her create a
dreamlike atmosphere. She also incorporated interviews with
friends about their life situations, discussing topics such as
finding their paths in life, the next steps after graduation,
family situations, social lives, and financial struggles. The
film is a reflection of Zhong's own journey and hopes to
convey the idea that we are all living life at our own pace
while being part of a shared experience. Through this project,
she hopes to inspire others to reflect on their own
experiences, to find solace in knowing that we are all going
through this together, and to challenge the traditional
notions of time and identity.
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Something More
Khaliya McCall
“Something More” is an audio project that plays with sounds
from decades. Influenced by the feelings iconic 90’s love
songs gave when it came to relationships. McCall’s goal is to
use audio to transport you to a visual time where love,
self-understanding, and realization meet. A play on
perspectives that allows the audience to experience a
futuristic ode to iconic 90’s love songs, that set the tonal
aspects for relationships and created this nostalgia of love
that transcends time. Experience a loving road to recovery
after grief. The power of meditation and how it heals while
transporting the listener to a safe space where the different
levels of love can be cultivated. McCall hopes everyone can
imagine a love that will one day exceed expectations.
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Land of Opportunity
Alejandro Perez-Leon
Land of Opportunity, an experimental film, exposes common
plights immigrants face when moving to America. The film is a
vessel for children of immigrant parents who have not yet
voiced their stories, as well as a beam of hope that they too,
can start anew in a foreign country. Raw photographs and a
personal interview with Perez-Leon’s mother symbolize themes
of uncertainty and dismay relevant in immigrant households.
The use of the parallax photo effect draws in the viewer by
revealing the importance of companionship, which is key for
immigrants who uprooted their lives and left their families
behind. Driving through his old Queens neighborhood reveals
the ongoing struggles of making a livelihood here, but his
mother reminds us that things were worse back home. Her
everlasting faith throughout the years prove that there is
always opportunity; to get ahead, start fresh, and to learn
from past experiences.