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Daija Essien

As an African American with Nigerian roots, I have always been fascinated by the discourse surrounding hybrid identities and the way they navigate self-image in the world. Regardless of whether it's on a regional or global scale, everyone has placed themselves within a nuanced category. Stereotypes run deep in the South, as do prejudices between minorities and the majority. Being a multicultural person living in the South, I sometimes find it challenging to present myself authentically. My lack of understanding about my Nigerian roots has made me realize that there is a small void in how I feel I should present myself. The stereotypes within and outside of my community have left me in a crossfire on how I "should" present myself, from the way I dress to the way I walk and talk. Although I don't experience this feeling every day, my past experiences still linger in my mind. Currently, I am focusing on breaking down my perception of myself as a multicultural person and rebuilding my identity. Much of my current work focuses on outer appearances such as hair and clothing and how they influence an individual's perception and treatment. By using painting and printmaking techniques, I create work that evokes an emotional response in viewers like myself and others from different backgrounds who are caught in the crossfire, drawing them closer to their cultural identity and the journey of self-discovery.
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