Crystal Biano

Fragments of Home

My paintings, Fragments of Home, explore the Asian diaspora experience through the lens of being a second-generation immigrant in New Zealand, examining its impact on my personal identity and nostalgic recollections. My work aims to create a dialogue between the past and present, exploring how cultural heritage and personal history intertwine. By focusing on my own experiences shared with my sisters, I hope to illuminate the broader themes of cultural integration and the complexities of identity in a multicultural society.

Through these works, I illuminate the complexities of navigating a predominantly English-speaking environment, emphasizing the dissonance between my cultural roots and my longing for belonging. As I do not speak my native language, this disconnection evokes feelings of shame, a profound sense of confusion and a deep yearning for acceptance.

I incorporate childhood items and symbols from my Kiwi upbringing, merging photo archives with personal recollections to craft imaginative narratives. My artistic process involves looking through childhood photo books, drawing from memory, and creating imaginary narratives. Utilising oil paints blended with medium W, I mimic the delicate qualities of watercolour, employing a drip effect to reflect the fluidity and impermanence of memory and identity.