The Blue Identity

13”x17.5” Watercolor, polyester, tulle, and Modge Podge on paper

2025 Carnegie Library Teen Media Awards: Honorable Mention

In this multimedia piece, I combined a watercolor subject with a blue mask made of synthetic polyester and tulle that was stretched and pinned before adding layers of modge podge to solidify. The idea behind the subject reflects the complexity of shifting identity. The tension wrinkles highlight the difficulty of change and the formation of identity in adolescence. Furthermore, the color blue seen in the painting is symbolic of serenity, hinting that it is necessary to remove familiar restraints to grow as a person. This piece, titled “Blue Identity” is emblematic of the scary simplicity of tearing away an identity that does not represent you anymore.

Painting of a woman with short curly hair, her eyes closed, mouth open with a smile, wrapped in a blue fabric covering her eyes and mouth, with a dark background.
Person smiling with mouth open, partially covered by a black plastic sheet being peeled back.
A watercolor-style painting of a woman with closed eyes, her hand resting on her forehead, and her hair tied up in a bun. The background is dark blue.
A watercolor painting of a woman with brown hair, laughing or screaming with her eyes closed and mouth open, on a dark blue background.
A watercolor painting of a woman with a wide, joyful smile, holding a blue mask to her face. The woman has long dark hair and is depicted in a moment of happiness.
A painting of a joyful woman with brown hair, wearing a blue headscarf, smiling broadly with her eyes closed, with a sheer white fabric over her face.
A woman with short brown hair is laughing and appears joyful. She is wearing a blue headband and has a tattoo on her shoulder. Her hand is covering her left eye, and she is showing her teeth in a broad smile. The background is dark, and her skin tone
A piece of blue fabric pinned together with multicolored sewing pins on a yellow surface.
A piece of paper with black mesh fabric draped over it, creating abstract shapes and shadows.
A woman with curly brown hair smiling with her eyes closed, wrapped in a blue cloth with white streaks, against a dark background.
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