Michele (Moore) Rosenbaum
Artist Statement
Observing life beyond the boundaries of our own experience is key to understanding how memories shape us. How do we form our subjective recollections? What impact occurs when a boundary - either self-imposed or imposed upon us - has been crossed? I found one answer in a photography project examining one's family history. Growing up with limited knowledge about where I came from was an isolating feeling. Through speaking with and photographing my parents and poring over their old photos together, this treasured narrative finally unfolded before me.
Growing up, I did not know very much about the story of my parents. My origin and how my parents came together was not discussed. I felt a sense of implied shame from from the dynamic between my parents and others in public. I began my project by interviewing and photographing my parents separately. I examined some of their old photos and learned their stories on how I came to be. Their memories were different and they would not take photos together. So I double exposed my film and did two sessions, thereby “painting” them together.
I connected the rawness of the story and went around the boundary in a simple but powerful approach. From there I have continued to explore this path in my work. I have taken portraits of others and self portraits over the years. Identity, femininity and fetishization of Asian and mixed race culture have been recurring themes.
My work is also inspired by travel, culture and nature. As a former political science major with an emphasis on international relations, my goal in college was to travel and take pictures. As I have lived and worked, the images also consider time, space and marginalization. Objects considered odd can be just as interesting to me as architecture that has stood the test of time and shines in the light. I also enjoy exploring abstract painting and layers of painting in my work and have been influenced by conceptual artists that use graphics and self-portraiture. Recently, I have also been painting over images printed on canvas to further the notion that photography is always subjective and never objective. In this day and age, I feel there can be very little objectivity in the human experience. Our expressions through social media and artificial intelligence in particular emphasize the idea that reality is created and maximized in our contemporary culture.
Description of the Work
The work on this forum represents travels, memory, culture and space. There are also some images which capture movement of light and color to sometimes evoke abstract painting and emotion. My over 20 years self-portrait project has focused on how I see myself and my within and without adhering to imposed definitions or categories. This project started from the days of when my mother would define what was more Chinese or less Chinese and how I fit (or did not fit) into those ideas or stereotypes. I tend to dislike categories and other attempts to define me. While it is less so now, I have often been approached with a desire to define what I am, especially in racial terms. People often will guess that I am partly their race. The lack of categorization is something I embrace. If there is a category or place of belonging, it is something I define for myself.
Biography
Born within the decade after interracial marriage was legalized in the United States, Michele is an artist who has conceptually explored the themes of family history, identity, race and gender for over 25 years. Through freelance projects, Michele also brings her creative talents and knowledge to portrait photography, custom edited prints and paintings. She also works on websites for creatives and special projects, such as income property optimization. Michele's prior real estate background and multifaceted creative ability adds personalization to those wishing to create an experience on their vacation property website/business. Further, she utilizes and welcomes photographers and filmmakers to her home studio and property where there are many spaces for photography and filming. Michele enjoys creative storytelling through images and film and playing a small part in helping fellow creatives do the same.
As a Director on the Riverdale School District Board, she is grateful to also participate on the MESD Regional School Board Equity Team and Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus. Michele volunteers with her daughter at many nonprofits in greater Portland through the Portland Chapter of the National Charity League. She also gives back to her public higher education experience as an Alumni Scholar at UCLA through participating in equity training and reading incoming student scholarship applications every spring.
As one of the last recipients of the Abrams Prize for Women Artists, Michele studied Art and Political Science at UCSB. Michele then transferred as an Alumni Scholar and completed her bachelor's degree at the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture with world renowned artists, including Chris Burden and John Baldessari.
After graduation in 2000, Michele focused on raising her four children while owning a successful clothing company. She has continued to explore the themes of space, memory and boundaries after coming back to art with years of creative and life experience.