Labeled

There are many words that people use to describe me, but each one carries connotations and stereotypes that are difficult to shake off. “Labeled” explores the manifestation of these categorizations as physical tags stuck onto my body. I’m sandwiched between layers of barcodes, stickers, and QR codes, unable to break free from these imposed identities and form my own. I stare at the viewer, begging to be seen beyond the words that define me, but it fails—a label conceals my right eye.