ART in SELF

HERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO EMBODY ONE’S IDENTITY. FOR THESE FIVE CREATORS, THEIR RT TAKES THE FOREFRONT OF THEIR SELF-EXPRESSION – THROUGH AVANT-GARDE MAKEUP, TYLE, AND ALL-ROUNDED CREATIVITY

- MELISSA MAE

MEI PANG

Known on TikTok and Instagram for her avant-garde makeup looks, shaved head, and symmetrical tattoos, artist Mei Pang (@meicrosoft on Instagram) creates content as an extension of her identity. Since gaining interest in the artform seven years ago, the creative now treats her face as a canvas for colourful and otherworldly looks.

“I originally went to university for drawing and painting,” says the 25-year-old Toronto-based creative when asked about her artistic origins. “However, I realised throughout the years that traditional painting wasn’t necessarily my passion.” Although Pang strayed away from conventional forms of art, she knew that it would always remain a part of her identity.

It is also no secret that identity plays a huge role when determining self-worth. It is why many youths and young adults tend to go through hardships when trying to figure out their place in the world. For Pang, comfort and contentment are the best jumping points in achieving self-worth.

“To my core, I’m a highly competitive person – especially when it comes to myself,” she explains. “I always feel the need to constantly outdo myself and become better in whatever I do, which leads to self-doubt. I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with it because artistry should be about experimentation and learning rather than burning yourself out.”

Has your concept of self-worth changed since gaining recognition for your talents?