About the Art
Occupy
verb:
To take or fill up; to engage or employ the mind, energy, or attention of.
I always struggled to occupy space.
Not occupy space physically, but emotionally and socially. I never enjoyed having people’s attention and I was okay with fading into the background if it meant I wouldn't be judged. Female women of color are silently told to not be actively present. We are told to not be interrupted, to not speak our thoughts, and to be polite. Being a female within our culture has undermined my ideas and credibility. Being a female Asian within our culture I have firsthand experienced the stereotype of being docile, easy to control, and submissive. Growing up in America I found myself struggling with confidence. I felt like my voice never truly mattered in a society where white is what's respected. I largely pointed out my lack of confidence in my Asian heritage, which fueled my desire to suppress my heritage further. My Asian American identity has created an internal battle and an external narrative on how to occupy space in systems that aren’t built for people of color.
It was not until I began making art that I was able to reflect on how suppressing my Asian identity affected me. Art allowed me to find an inner peace with myself that took me away from the chaos and cruelty of the world. Without saying anything, I am able to say so much. Art confirmed for me how beautiful being a minority is, and allowed me to appreciate my enriching Asian culture. The process of creating allowed me to reflect on my relationship with my identity and spark dialogue about the roots of the systemic issues within America. Art has allowed me to create a platform for myself that was not present before. I am able to fill the room with my voice, spark important dialogue, and finally, I am able to occupy space.
Through my work, I discuss the struggles of stereotypes, societal labels, and racism I have experienced throughout my life. My work primarily focused on the material, because materials undeniably occupy space. Not only do materials hold weight physically and emotionally; materials tell stories about history and culture. My body of work is highly focused on the symbolism of the materials I use, such as rice as a motif repeated throughout my work. I strive to take overlooked materials and create something that demands to be seen.
Art is a universal language. It is the way I tell my story. I hope to create work that occupies space and sparks dialogue across all different ethnicities. My goal is to create a community with other AAPI individuals to be undeniably proud of our Asian heritage and no longer fear being seen.
About the Artist (First Place Winner)
Ye Yee (Mary) Song is a Junior at the Maryland Institute College of Art, majoring in fibers/fashion with a minor in graphic design + photography. Working as the Fashion Director for MICA’s annual benefit fashion show, Mary interviewed, hired, and managed all the teams involved in the show ( fashion designers, photographers, videographers, and graphic designers). All ticket sales from the Benefit fashion show go back to a grant to support artists of color that pursue their education at MICA. She is committed to working with brands that support artists of color, and provide a platform for POC.
Mary has also worked as a freelance photographer documenting weddings, content for magazines, and professional portraits. Her entrepreneurial spirit is also shown through her opening of a small business, where she’s made 100+ sales globally.
Mary also taught as an independent art professor teaching one on one lessons with students aspiring to build a portfolio for art universities. Her love for community and working with others translated to her working as an art camp assistant teaching kids K-12 and adults. Throughout her artistic career, she has organized exhibitions that required an understanding of curatorial studies and leadership in art directing.
Aside from creative direction and freelance, Mary also worked with fashion brands to develop strategic marketing plans, coordinate social media, and create content. She has successfully monetized her social media platforms to collaborate with brands such as Skims, Rare Beauty, Good Fair, Mejuri, etc. Her proficiency in the photo and video editing has allowed her to build long-term relationships with brands, to assist in creating ad campaigns. Mary aspires to be a creative director with a fashion company she morally aligns with and hopes to educate young adults to use their voices to promote change.
For Inquiries or Commissions, head to their website!
