“Where Are You From”
SCF College Exhibition
This thought provoking exhibit showcased the works of Annie Dong, Emily Tan, and Jujmo, offering a unique perspective on identity, heritage, and belonging.
This body of work reflects pivotal moments in Emily’s life, each deeply connected to her journey of self-discovery. The question “Where are you from?” is woven throughout, not just as an inquiry about geography, but as a deeper exploration of identity, heritage, experiences, and the complexities that shape who we are.
Self Portrait 1997 | Age 4 - 40” x 50” Emily was called to create a self-portrait of her younger self. The squares in her piece represent her uniform and the mask she developed at a young age. The flowers evoke memories of her first doodle. The eyes represent the stares of her classmates, being one of the few POC in class.
Undertow; 2000 | Age 7 - 24” x 36” " At six, Emily began competitive swimming. One summer, she was caught in a rip current at Robert Moses and had to be rescued. This piece reflects the feeling of being pulled under by the waves, and the lesson she learned: surviving the undertow by not fighting it but letting it pass.
Levels 2012 | Age 18 - 24” x 36” Emily’s first festival experience was at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, which deepened her love for music and sparked her synesthesia. This piece visually represents how certain frequencies look in her mind, blending sound and color, inspired by Avicii’s “Levels” a track whose creator tragically passed away, making the song’s energy and legacy even more meaningful.
Field 5; 2012 | Age 18 - 40”x50” Lifeguarding at Field 5 from 2012 to 2015 was a deeply intense and transformative experience for Emily. While the beach itself brought a sense of comfort and familiarity, the responsibility of saving lives stirred a constant undercurrent of anxiety. Yet, these moments of crisis revealed her inner strength, teaching her how to stay calm, think quickly, and rise to the challenge under immense pressure. Each rescue reaffirmed her resilience and her ability to handle life-or-death situations with composure.
The Monster Ball; 2009 | Age 16 - 40”x30” For her sixteenth birthday, Emily attended Lady Gaga's Monster Ball at Radio City, an experience that inspired her to explore performance art. The show awakened her to embrace her authentic self, reinforcing the notion that she does not need to alter her identity for the approval of others.
Calla Lily 2017 | Age 24 - 23.5” x 36.5” The calla lily symbolizes deep devotion and faith. Other themes include transformation, growth, rebirth, and purity. The Mother Mary figure embodies the guidance that has shaped Emily’s spiritual evolution. "The hand of she who shows the path, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Lola Summer; 2002 | Age 9 - 30” x 40” Emily spent every summer with her grandmother, Lola, gardening after swim practice. That summer, she met her grandmother’s neighbors, two adopted Korean girls, who became her first Asian friends and made her feel more understood than her school friends ever did.
Anahata Meditation; 2024 | Age 30 - 40” x 50” During a meditation led by a close friend, Emily visualized lavender oceans and bright orange tulips as her heart center. In Feng Shui, the soft lavender tones bring balance, while the tulips symbolize connection, energy, and gratitude, reflecting her partners' Dutch heritage.