Canaryville Branch hosts an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month art exhibit during May 2018 featuring artist Janae Iloreta.
Janae Iloreta is a multidisciplinary artist and is currently studying creative writing at Columbia College Chicago. As the current co-president of her school’s Asian Student Organization, she has developed a stronger interest in exploring issues within the Asian American community. Growing up as a darker-skinned Asian American, she struggled with self-acceptance and identity. She now aspires to be a positive influence for other individuals struggling with their identity, reminding others there is no one-size-fits-all. As every individual has unique experiences, there is no such thing as “too Asian” or “not Asian enough.”
White Trash confronts and challenges the issue of colorism and skin-whitening in Asian culture. The captured notion of throwing away Asian-manufactured whitening products in a garbage can attempts to represent the resistance of Asian Americans conforming to European beauty standards, and aims to empower the Asian American community to love and accept one’s natural beauty.
