Echoes of Who I Was

By Ashley Wong

Rationale: The artwork, “Echos of Who I Was,” is a poignant portrait of the character, Mizuki’s identity crisis, as she glances into the mirror with a strong sense of bewilderment. This critical and melancholic moment illustrates how Mizuki’s struggles with self-acceptance and the complexities of gender identity. In the mirror, it reflects Mizuki’s past self, which is characterised by short hair during her junior high years. This creation focuses on emphasising Mizuki’s journey into exploring and embracing her true identity despite the stressful societal norms and expectations.