Title: Caged
Artist: Kathy Chin
Desription: surreal self-portrait, mixed media installation, surrealism, kathy chin with butterfly wings sitting on a rock, digital print, lovebirds

"Caged" is my surreal self-portrait. It depicts the imprisonment of my 14 lovebirds that are confined in a large cage. My boyfriend gave me two lovebirds as a gift, to keep me company. Over the course of a few years, they have developed into a big family. They've become part of our family. We have grown to love them.

They each have their unique personality and character. There's Papa, Mama, Olive, Hannah, Greta, Pegleg, and so on. We stopped naming them when we started having trouble keeping track of them. They look very similar, in their coloration and size. Initially, they caught his eye because they look so vibrant and beautiful. We keep them caged, as pretty things to look at. They are at our mercy for food and shelter.

In a similar manner, I perceive women's role in society in a similar manner. Many females groom themselves into these pretty, exquite creatures, waiting to catch the eyes of that special person who will take care of them, keep them caged in a sense. Often, females are kept around for their ornamental value.

We are all imprisoned in some way, whether by cages we erect for ourselves, or imposed upon us. The reality of our imprisonment isn't as surreal as the art I create. "Caged" is dedicated to my lovebirds, to enslaved women, to their longing for flight. I, too, long for the freedom of flight. Despite endowing myself with butterfly wings, I remain caged.