Through the medium of fashion photography, Era explores Asian representation in three distinct styles and perspectives: Past Present and Future

Past: Asian history from the western perspective is often viewed with a xenophobic attitude. The western culture has painted this picture that Asian immigrants, along with their clothing, are “dirty”. And this narrative has negatively impacted the perception and reputation of Asian immigrants. Past is how I chose to combat this narrative. By emulating older photographic styles, I present photographs that represent the past more positively.

Present: Asian and other POC artists in entertainment today face an expectation of what they can, can not and should do with their work and presentation. And this expectation often leads into Asian artists being type-casted and following a stereotype. Representation is more than just an Asian artist filling the position that requires Asian talent…Representation is also witnessing exceptional independent work from an Asian person.

Future: Techno-Orientalism is seeing a rise in popularity within media in last few decades. The trope explores Asia as technologically advanced with Asian people as intellectually primitive in need of western intervention. The trope bases its stories exclusively in East Asian countries and pushes an arbitrary idea that invalidates other Asian countries. Future is intended as a taking back of futuristic stories and styles, not only in the photographic style but in the modelling and styling.