Pamela So facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pamela So
Born	21 September 1947 Glasgow
Died	17 February 2010(2010-02-17) (aged 62) Irvine
Nationality	Scottish
Alma mater	Glasgow School of Art
Known for	Multimedia art, photography

Pamela Hung So (September 21, 1947 – February 17, 2010) was a Scottish Chinese multimedia artist and photographer. She used her art to explore her family's history and her cultural background.

Early Life and Beginnings

Pamela So was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 21, 1947. Her parents were Evelyn Yih and Pak So. Her family was one of the first Chinese families to live in Glasgow.

Pamela's grandmother had an amazing journey. She walked to Europe from China in the early 1900s. She performed acrobatics and sold paper flowers to make a living. Before becoming an artist, Pamela studied Geography. She also worked as a librarian.

Exploring Art and Identity

Pamela So started her art studies later in life. She went to the Glasgow School of Art and graduated in 1998. Her art often showed her Chinese heritage. She used old family photos and films made by her father in her artworks.

Later, her art looked at the connection between Britain and China. She also explored ideas about how countries change after being ruled by others. For example, her 2000 artwork, 'Love is a many splendoured thing,' used Chinese dolls to discuss social issues.

In 2002, Pamela worked at Syracuse University in the United States. There, she explored American culture as an outsider. She used the famous Barbie doll to represent American women. In her photo series 'Barbie as Tatiana,' Barbie was shown in typical American settings. Pamela also created art that was specific to certain places or historical events.

Supporting Chinese Culture

Pamela was a big supporter of Chinese culture and heritage. She helped to start the Ricefield Chinese Arts & Cultural Centre in Glasgow. This center helps share Chinese arts and culture. In 2004, Pamela was the very first artist to show her work there.