Emma Jeantou, We Are Who We Are? (PEOPLE 2026)

My work explores the complex terrain of identity through the lens of nature versus nurture. As a parent of two children, who share the same paternal donor but have different biological mothers, I am continually fascinated by the interplay between genetics and experience. This duality prompts an ongoing inquiry: How much of who we are is predetermined, and how much is shaped by our environment and relationships? Through my art, I investigate inherited traits and learned behaviours, seeking to illuminate where origin ends and influence begins. I aim to challenge preconceptions about lineage, belonging, and individuality. Ultimately, my work invites viewers to reconsider their own assumptions about the boundaries of self, and to reflect on how both nature and nurture continually shape our evolving identities.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.