The Yuppie Project (2)
Nikki S. Lee American, born Korea
Not on view
This photograph is part of a series of projects in which Lee has immersed herself in American subcultures—punks, tourists, yuppies, lesbians, club kids, drag queens, senior citizens—observing and adopting the dress, behavior, and body language of each for weeks or months at a time. After transforming her own appearance, Lee approaches members of the group, explains her project, and has a friend or passerby photograph her with a small automatic-focus camera. Part Zelig, part Cindy Sherman, Lee cleverly explores the mutability of social identity as well as the immigrant's desire to blend into a new culture.