Is This Thing On?...

a real place for anyone seeking honest authenticity

My belief is that art belongs to everyone and that everyone is capable of making art. Some people may be more driven, more gifted, more interested in being artists, but art is one of those shared experiences that anyone from anywhere can actually feel, believe and enjoy. - Wangechi Mutu, from Artspace Jan 13, 2016

Yo, welcome! Glad you made it. I’m starting this blog because I need room to share more honestly. Recently, when I felt the need to share a link on my Instagram story, I hesitated because so few of my friends are actually into the same things I am. Plus, it’s no secret that Instagram is no longer giving. Things happen too fast there and mean less and less, every second. Reposting stories (aka posts from accounts that have a linktree) is way too fleeting. Ain’t nobody out there going to re-dig up a story that they wanted to see again, let alone click, to click into, to open, to READ! I’m tired even typing that. Here’s a list of core things ’n’ stuff that inspired my creation of Party Dip. I hope you’ll stick around.

1. Art for everyone

The quote and article I shared at the top from Wangechi Mutu (whose solo show is on view at New Museum) is much like how I started my physical zine. It began cuz I needed to release everything I’d been holding in, with a strong belief that I had something to say, so why not share it? I firmly believe everyone, especially women (me!), especially of color (me!) should be louder and voice everything and anything we want, in the spirit of making a positive impact in others’ lives.

2. Lack of vulnerability

I read an interview where someone mentioned showing vulnerability shows people we care. I was horrified to realize I’m out here on the reggie (regular) being honest and open with people I love, despite feeling like no one around me voices any insecurities of their own. This applies to everyone. The general public is so “on brand” all the time that it reads as a lack of character. Who are these people? We’re all guilty of having to make up personas for ourselves for one disgusting marketing reason or another (don’t get me started on my dating profiles, gawd. A story for another day!). I’m here to be accepted and want to influence a trend of checking your fat, @ mention’s at the door.

3. Anti-synthetic stuff! Pro-real recommendations

It’s increasingly common that a new place opens up and you already know what it looks like before you step inside. It has over-branded itself. It’s Instagram store core. Neon signs, gross pastels, fake grass walls, tiny uncomfortable chairs for half of my buttcheek. Totally devoid of ANYTHING REAL. A barf a minute. This, coupled with the vulnerability issue is a real, can’t-look-away problem. The algorithms have taken over the masses, and no one truly, actually, really knows what the hell they like or don’t like anymore! I’ll recommend shows, books, must-read articles, and music.

4. Identity issues

After what felt like an “extended stay” in Bushwick nightlife (read: encompassed by fog machine fog 300 nights of the year), I’ve retired from heavy drinking, party scenes. I’m actually an adult now (!!) who loves to just smoke a little and pass out to Antiques Roadshow! More on that obsession later, for sure. Simultaneously, I’ve learned to embrace myself as Korean. Since I’m adopted and raised culturally white, I always felt like an imposter (nothing like racial hate crimes to wake me the hell up in that regard). I started watching Korean shows on Netflix, of which there are endless amounts! K-Dramas, Korean dating shows, and Korean competition shows (I know you saw Physical 100), all lit! I now fuck with the original soundtracks. Some real bangers that will be stuck in your head for days! My (physical) zine HECK doesn’t encompass the right tone for me to explore the heavy load of racial identity.

5. Here’s a cute lil’ playlist

“I made you a playlist” is my equivalent of a digital handshake!