However, her way there was not a bed of roses. Being an Asian woman in the United States gave her the “feeling of being invisible”, “almost inhuman”, which made her realize that “there’s no question this is still a sexist and racist society.” In addition, the art world isn’t as open-minded as some would think, at least when it comes to male sexuality. “I’ve been surprised by how conservative some collectors and viewers still are, especially about depictions of male nudity and sexuality. Not that people get outraged or offended, necessarily. Usually it’s more like nervous snickering or making bad jokes”, she confesses. “But having a naked woman in a sexual pose hanging on your wall rarely seems to bother anyone, but a man with an erection… it’s still different for some people”, she concludes. But after all, staying true to herself has proved worthy, as she’s found a way to canalize oppression, express herself and connect her feelings and her view with others.