Statement

My work unveils my experiences of processing familial and social oppression. Through drawings and photographs, I convey moments of internal anguish and resilience by showing the intimate parts of my depression, trauma, and healing process. I deploy dramatic light and shadows throughout my compositions, accentuating the vulnerability and emotional weight in my work. For instance, these tonal characteristics are prominent in the photographic series of my grandparent’s house, communicating the continuity of generational trauma. I photographed their home because it reflects the skeletal structure of a dysfunctional family dynamic; the decayed dreams of an immigrant family, which has traveled down to my maternal relationship and chronically affects my mental health. My drawings are expressive of psychological pain and rejuvenation by incorporating realistic self portraiture and imagery that is symbolic of my identity as a woman and martial artist. Thus, the personal and familial challenges I’ve faced inform both my visual and physical practices, all elements that have shaped and strengthened who I am. 

Bio

Brianna Keely Cheng is a San Francisco Bay Area based artist raised in Oakland who received her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Mills College. Her work ranges from realistic self portraiture and fauna to abstract photography that synergize dramatic highlights and shadows. These illustrations and photographs embody a narrative of healing from depression and trauma. She also creates work that relays her passion and concern for environmental degradation. Brianna has exhibited work at the Mills College Art Museum and participated in the De Young Open 2023. She was most recently a recipient of the Nancy Cook Travel Alumni Grant through Mills College/Northeastern University, taking part in the exhibition.