Furthermore, Quarles thinks her works describe what it's like to feel the sense of needing to compartmentalize, fracture and fragment herself in order to be socially acceptable.

As such, the artist hopes people caught up in similar circumstances can find solace and a sense of being understood in her work; in addition, for those who may have been unaware of their multiple identities, Quarles thinks her paintings can inspire them to reflect on the other aspects of themselves and question the actual limits of who they are.

"Though Quarles' art deals with race, gender, and identity, what her art impresses me most is that it tackles what it means to be human because almost everyone, in one way or another, has wrestled with who they really are," said Rao.

The artist's Beijing exhibit speaks volumes about Rao's observation.

Featuring her recent works produced in COVID-19-imposed lockdown, the exhibit spotlights Quarles' ability to capture universal emotions – anxiety, fear, loneliness, and a longing for freedom and joy, in her body paintings.

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