Art Exhibit by Janae Iloreta at Canaryville Branch

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.