Othered: Sketching the Blueprint of Biracial Identity

Artist: Melissa Aytenfisu

Othered is a profound exploration of the lives and identities of biracial individuals. In a world where racial mixing is increasingly accepted, the biracial experience remains a unique and underrepresented facet of our collective narrative. Through the medium of photography, Melissa aims to delve into the intricate tapestry of biracial identity.

This body of work will focus on the subject of biracialism (black and white).She particularly likes to address issues such as:

1. The extent to which biracial individuals are categorized and their senses of identity molded by societal norms and expectations.

2. The degree to which biracial people differ or coalesce in their developing senses of self.

3. Self-identity: The evolving impact of a growing population of biracial individuals on societal concepts of race, racism and post-racism.

Melissa believes this research and creative inquiry will deepen understanding of biracial identity in ways that meaningfully benefit both biracial individuals and the broader community. The project stands as a testament to the power of art to illuminate the often-unseen dimensions of our shared humanity. It celebrates the diversity and unity embodied by biracial individuals and invites viewers into an open dialogue about the rich mosaic of our interconnected lives.
The exhibition will present more than 30 mixed-media portraits of biracial individuals ranging in age from three months to over 60 years old.Each work is constructed in three distinct layers. The foundational layer features microscopic images of scalp skin cells from individuals of different racial backgrounds, captured using a professional microscope in the pathology laboratory at Houston Methodist with the support of Dr. El-Zataari.

The middle layer consists of a portrait of a biracial model wearing a white T-shirt, emphasizing presence and individuality. The final layer incorporates hand-drawn zentangle patterns that swirl around each figure, evoking the visual language of DNA strands, genetics, and biology—symbolically intertwining science, identity, and lived experience.

Opening Reception:

Friday May 1

5pm - 8pm

The art is on display through May 28, 2026

Gallery Hours:

1-5pm Thursday - Saturday and By Appointment

Contact: [email protected]

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Host or Publisher Bisong Art Gallery