Sid Pattni
Self Portrait #2
2020
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
120 x 90cm
Courtesy the artist
'Self Portrait seeks to examine the unease I grapple with in having an identity that is not clear to society or myself.
'As an Indian migrant growing up in Australia, I have found it hard to assimilate. I have bleached my black hair to make it look more blonde, I have worn coloured contact lenses to mask my brown eyes and I have stayed out of the sun in the hope of getting lighter skin.
'Each mark that obscures my face is a symbol of the sacrifice I have made in order to assimilate.'