I was teased throughout my childhood for having a prominent set of front teeth, earning nicknames like ‘beaver’ and ‘rat.’ In 1970s and 80s Japan, braces were a luxury often reserved for the affluent, leaving me feeling isolated and self-conscious. This led to various coping behaviors, such as grabbing my teeth and covering my mouth when I laughed.

The project Bee-vah emerged from this deeply personal journey of grappling with my self-image. It has evolved into a broader exploration of how our appearances—particularly our teeth—shape our identities and influence our social standing.

This 10-piece sequential performative drawing delves into the intricate relationships between social anxiety, colonization, and the constructs of beauty and luxury within the dental economy. Through this work, I invite viewers to reflect on how our perceptions of teeth impact our experiences and connections in society.”