In
retrospect, this artistic expression of ‘Diaspora’ is in a way an extension of
“Eternally Lost,” (iv) my previous academic artwork where I interrogated the
symbols and signs that urban societies devise in an endeavor to aid
communication amidst the challenge of multiplicity of languages and cultures.
The work asserted that although visual languages can be said to transcend the
spoken language, their intended meanings are not necessarily accessible by
those outside of that particular cosmopolitan community. The interchanging
Green, Umber and Red traffic lights were one case in point in that unless
taught about them, a person from “another planet” would not decipher their
meaning.
Ultimately,
this expression is nothing less than a catharsis. Through this project, I have
thoroughly, interrogated this dilemma regarding my personal status as a
foreigner from multiple stand points. In the process I have become increasingly
aware and particularly found solace in the realization that this scenario is
not mine alone. It is a new normal that I share with millions of others if not
the seven billion of us on this globe because we are all somewhat foreigners -
if not us, then our ancestors were or descendants will eventually be.