Identity

Tonya Maximova
Oct 29
1 min read

In this self-portrait, I explored how my identity was imposed by others throughout my childhood; a time when I was most vulnerable and unable to advocate for myself. My solemn expression reflects the quiet weight of this experience as multiple hands grasp the кокошник, a traditional Russian headdress, and the вишиванка, a Ukrainian embroidered shirt. These cultural garments, drawn from both sides of my family, embody the tensions experienced with a dual identity: in my case, being shaped by two cultures that coexist yet remain in conflict today.

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Identity

In this self-portrait, I explored how my identity was imposed by others throughout my childhood; a time when I was most vulnerable and unable to advocate for myself. My solemn expression reflects the quiet weight of this experience as multiple hands grasp the кокошник , a traditional Russian headdress, and the вишиванка , a Ukrainian embroidered shirt. These cultural garments, drawn from both sides of my family, embody the tensions experienced with a dual identity: in my case

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