Inspired by fables about extreme depths of loyalty, filial piety, and tradition in Vietnamese traditions that make absolutely no sense to me, this series reimagines those fables in the modern context of Westcoast Canada. I expect to have these works completed by early 2027.
This project explores the intersection of cultural identities on artistic output, specifically the impact of creating work from a specific cultural lens. The role of cultural identity in art can become a heavy burden, it can be a pigeonhole. It can also be a niche, a positive force that grounds you and a call to express a unique or underrepresented artistic perspective. I invited two artists from very different backgrounds to examine this topic with me. The works that resulted from this project explored the entire spectrum of our reflections, from liberation to burden and all the messy politics, memories, and emotions that arise when cultural identities are foregrounded in the art we create.
The Lucky Ones represents the dynamics of Vietnamese Canadian families who experienced both extreme adversity and privilege as survivors of the 'boat people' refugee crisis. I explore how this conflict expresses itself between the first and second generations as a tension between the desire to be open and honest about the challenges and a cultural expectation to keep them secret.
Paintings in collaboration with Gallery Merrick include the series "Nocturnes" focused on evening urban landscapes in Victoria BC Canada and "Dolls"
This debut solo exhibition explores the humour in the Vietnamese-Canadian immigration experience as a way of combating racism and connecting Canadians of all backgrounds through the awkward experience of finding one’s place in unfamiliar territory. These works debuted at the Chapel Gallery in Victoria, Canada in January of 2022 and was subsequently installed at the McPherson Playhouse in partnership with the Victoria Arts Council. In the same year, the project went on to be featured in the Royal BC Museum's Learning Portal Pathway Vietnamese Canadian Experiences in BC to support teachers in BC with content on the diverse experiences of Canadians.