Fa'amoemoega' (Expectation) - Ashley Tofa, University of Auckland, New Zealand

My practice revolves around the cultural pressures of fulfilling
the migrants' dream - where the hopes and dreams of my family played an influential role in how I was raised. Through my experiences, the artwork has become an outlet for my frustrations. This series of photographs shows me biting or having my mouth covered by different objects. My clasped jaw and gritted teeth are a metaphor for being silenced. This act creates an uncomfortable pressure around my head, showing my inability to voice my opinions.