Fraud In The Eyes of A Liar

by Eshitha R Rao

“My artwork revolves around visibility and what that truly means when existing in systems attempting to diminish it. Through the medium of digital art, I explore different scenarios where identity becomes polarizing, isolating the subject to that experience to raise conversations about societal biases. This specific piece represents orientalism and the policing of South Asian and West Asian culture from a eurocentric perspective. Historically, eurocentric media has a problematic relationship with depictions of other regions, especially in the South and West Asian area. Complex cultures rich with history, innovation and scientific discovery are reduced to one dimensional, exotic fabrications that serve to justify imperialism. These portrayals depict entire countries and populations as uncivilized or mythical, selectively choosing which aspects of culture are acceptable, and which are not. Through these lenses, authentic experiences and expressions of culture get lost, or at worst, are mistaken as fraudulent when they don't align with eurocentric ideals. I wanted this piece to reflect the frustration of a system exerting authority over one’s identity as well as the futility of trying to appeal to the system’s demand."