Hidden Identity By Rena Zheng ‘25

In my etching art exploring hidden identity, a single figure stands against a stark black background, their corporeal body unfolding like a shell. From within, delicate white lines emerge, unraveling the deeper layers of the self that often remain unseen. The contrast between the dark void and the glowing, intricate lines symbolizes the tension between external appearances and inner truth. This piece reveals how the “real” self—fluid, vulnerable, and uncontainable—resides beneath the surface we present to the world. The etched lines act as a visual metaphor for emotional and psychological depth, inviting viewers to look beyond what is immediately visible.