A migrant’s progress: Zeng in Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT My current field of research explores personal experiences of immigration and integration within Australian society often with a humorous narrative, but trying at all times to be poignant. My painting provides an analysis of both the psychological and cultural realities of immigration to Australia – as one that importantly questions many current ideas. The structure of the Master of Fine Arts by research also provides an opportunity to refine my theoretical and thoughtful groundings and to significantly develop my writing. Developed through research studies, I believe my project could be a convincing contribution to both visual culture and importantly to wider community discussion relating to immigration in Australia. My research is based on myself as an immigrant, relating to my new surroundings, from an immigrant's perspective, and interrogating my relationship with the Australian environment and culture. Both the psychological and cultural interrogation will also reflect the unavoidable clash of values intrinsic to immigration. The project is concerned with cross-cultural issues: my research explores specific cultural and social perspectives of China and Australia. I created works that allow the Chinese techniques of painting, which I learnt in China, and Courbet's oil techniques to become transformed and altered through my exposure to Western techniques and culture. I use the Chinese Confucian Yin-Yang philosophy as a tool to explore the Chinese and Western artistic influences. Finally my research examines how each of these factors culminates in my own personal philosophy of “Non-Philosophy”. This research project can be described as using figurative painting as an appropriate contemporary vehicle for investigating immigration and cultural frisson. I use these elements in the new culture: to contribute a strong justification for my research. My painting also brings challenges to contemporary thought, questions my relationship with my new surroundings and establishes a visual dialogue between notions of isolation versus participation within Australian culture. Formally, it encourages the viewer to consider the relationship between myself (isolated as an immigrant), and Australian society. From an existential viewpoint, this emphasis considers my relationship within a global society.