The famous Canadian painter Emily Carr once said, “The better a portrait, the more indecent and naked the sitter must feel.” How fascinating, the idea that the subject of a portrait could feel so seen, and yet so exposed.

For many immigrants, this is not the reality. They often face the conflict of a double identity. On one hand, they might hold onto deep feelings of their motherland, wanting to preserve their original culture and identity. On the other hand, they are also doing their best to assimilate and adapt to the new environment, facing challenges in learning local lifestyle values, language, and customs.

Immigrants must all find their own balance while navigating between two worlds.

The continuous question of identity can cause stress and confusion for immigrants. It takes effort for them to explore and build their own identities. These exhibited self-portraits by immigrant artists reveal the ongoing conflicts and doubts on identity. Through their unique creative perspectives, these artists examine questions about their inner self with weight and sensitivity.

In the world of art, self-portraits are an expression of the complexity of identity, and a window to see multiculturalism within our perceptions of self and others. Through these works, we are reminded that each person has their own unique values and story, and the intertwining and interacting of these different values are an integral part of our diverse society.