DYLAN CHAO ‘22
VISUAL ARTS: GRAPHIC DESIGN, UMBC

I love you, 2022
Digital photograph triptych

This set of three photos was dedicated to my parents for Valentine's Day. The makeup I have painted on my face spells out I love you in Mandarin, with the stamp on the left side of my face spelling out my Chinese name. The following excerpt accompanies the piece:

This Valentine's Day I wanted to send my valentine to my parents. Growing up Asian American, it was always hard for me to say these three words: “I love you.” Even harder for me was the Mandarin counterpart, 我愛你. I knew how I felt, but somehow I could never let the phrase escape my lips, even when I knew all that they had done and sacrificed for me. Even on those rare occasions when I was able to form the words, they always felt misplaced and awkward; an unspoken truth that I could never bring up.

After some reflection and research I finally understand. Asian households often run away from talking about our emotions, not wanting to deal with the potential repercussions that doing so might bring. This is something that has been learned and ingrained into our culture. Instead, we show love through our actions. The plate of sliced fruit our moms deliver to our desk while we study. The long hours our fathers suffer through to provide for their family. The beautiful memories from family vacations that last a lifetime. By contrast, growing up in America and observing different households, I began to learn how healthy communication and expressing our thoughts is not something to be scared of, but instead something to be embraced. Because of this, I started to accept and understand my emotions instead of running away from them.

What I realized is that growing up Asian taught me to love through my actions. Growing up American taught me how to speak my mind.

I love you more than the scope two languages can communicate. Thank you for raising me– for being my superheroes. My best friends. My home. I’m sorry I was so scared for so long. Now that I understand I promise to never miss the chance to remind you just how much I love you. I’m so thankful for all the memories we have shared and the ones we will continue to make.

I’m sorry,
對不起

I love you,
我愛你

Your son,
你的兒子

- Dylan
趙元睿

A photographic triptych. The subject of the photographs is a man with a glamorous look, covered in gemstones and a pink boa. The photos are shot in a way that is reminiscent of 50's and 60's magazine spreads and glamor shots.
 

With love, Dylan, 2021
Digital photograph collection

This set of three photos is a response to how Asian men, specifically how queer Asian men, are viewed and portrayed in media. So often Asian men are emasculated, seen as weak, or too “feminine.” On the flip side, we are often fetishized, with individuals projecting their own fantasies onto us. As a queer Asian man, I have experienced both of these firsthand.

This photo is a push back against these perceptions, showcasing how I will not let these opinions shape how I feel about myself. I have dressed in the most flamboyant outfit in my closet, and have spelled out in red lipstick on the mirror: With love, Dylan. This is a representation of how I can respond to hate and negativity in a celebratory and positive light.

Instead of fighting hate with hate, I choose to fight it with love. Wearing these clothes, I am confident, happy, and prideful. I am unafraid to live authentically, and unapologetically as myself.