Project Description:
Over 300 southeast Asian refugees donated their own or their family's photos to make this project a collective voice. This piece acts as a memorial for the past and for a brighter future. Photographs were taken shortly at the refugee camps before one immigrated to another country.
This installation comprises of refugee photos printed on semi-transparent fabric and sewn together with a single gold thread and suspended from the ceiling. I utilize everyday materials found in the Laotian household to evoke and meld the past with present experiences. Fake plastic marigolds are a simulacrum of what was and what life can be after the war. Marigolds are used in Lao traditional rituals to enhance the spirit callings for various ceremonies. Sticky rice bags are the heart of the Laotian culture, and the tent-like structure is an open-ended shelter. Refugees and immigrants are visible and invisible in their community, and so the single gold thread symbolizes endurance, beauty, fragility, and sustainability in the Southeast Asian culture. This piece speaks about the future we faced after escaping our home country and leaving the refugee camps. This traumatic event was part of my childhood development and defined my identity. The collective diasporic experience addresses the issues of displacement and how landscapes can determine cultural identity. I am putting together a story that weaves visual imagery, sensory experiences, and personal memories to recreate a flux moment.
Interview for Transparent Voices 1.5 Scattered Minnesota Museum of Art:
https://vimeo.com/469149195 (My Interview b/t 8:47-12.57)
Thank you to the following people who made this project a success!
Salong Namsa, Chanida Phaengdara Potter, Harris Panyanouvong, Peter Southidara,
Dee Ratapho, Kevin Vixayphone, Tony Chanthavong, Sysavanh Southimath,
Suphanh Cassaday, Linda Pheng, Tho Bounket, Ai Hukborleum, Diana Sengchan,
Noy Lovanh, Sim Bounyavong, Jitter Moore, Ommanda Trask, Mina Lou,
Sunny Phetthongsy, Phra Wisatchana, Pok Sphabmixay, Nang Manivanh, Anne Mekdara,
Phonsavanh Jo Bangphraxay, Fayethe Vongsouvanh, Chantala Kommanivanh,
Valouny Chanda Zoesch, Mali Vongsengkeo Smith, Anasone Silivongxay Chanthara,
Phim Bruner, Sonnaly Lee, Sylee Sayasounthone, Noy Bunn, Falith J Khan,
Kim Chanhpheng, Mina Athinaphone, Celine Bachesta, Phanida Phivilay,
Boualay Lackthai, Soutsada Sipaseuth, Deth Khaia, Nook Basto, Sinoeun Sininja,
Phamphong Sivongxay, Melinda Nouth, Kosal Sam, Teresa Tran, Tanaka Nhong,
Kabo Yang, Sayon Syprasoeuth, Tiffany Ratsavong, Dr. Phoukham Kelly Bounkeua,
Monreudy Chanthaboun Flores, Banh Keonouphet, Soumaly Inthavong, Chee Xiong
Over 300 southeast Asian refugees donated their own or their family's photos to make this project a collective voice. This piece acts as a memorial for the past and for a brighter future. Photographs were taken shortly at the refugee camps before one immigrated to another country.
This installation comprises of refugee photos printed on semi-transparent fabric and sewn together with a single gold thread and suspended from the ceiling. I utilize everyday materials found in the Laotian household to evoke and meld the past with present experiences. Fake plastic marigolds are a simulacrum of what was and what life can be after the war. Marigolds are used in Lao traditional rituals to enhance the spirit callings for various ceremonies. Sticky rice bags are the heart of the Laotian culture, and the tent-like structure is an open-ended shelter. Refugees and immigrants are visible and invisible in their community, and so the single gold thread symbolizes endurance, beauty, fragility, and sustainability in the Southeast Asian culture. This piece speaks about the future we faced after escaping our home country and leaving the refugee camps. This traumatic event was part of my childhood development and defined my identity. The collective diasporic experience addresses the issues of displacement and how landscapes can determine cultural identity. I am putting together a story that weaves visual imagery, sensory experiences, and personal memories to recreate a flux moment.
Interview for Transparent Voices 1.5 Scattered Minnesota Museum of Art:
https://vimeo.com/469149195 (My Interview b/t 8:47-12.57)
Thank you to the following people who made this project a success!
Salong Namsa, Chanida Phaengdara Potter, Harris Panyanouvong, Peter Southidara,
Dee Ratapho, Kevin Vixayphone, Tony Chanthavong, Sysavanh Southimath,
Suphanh Cassaday, Linda Pheng, Tho Bounket, Ai Hukborleum, Diana Sengchan,
Noy Lovanh, Sim Bounyavong, Jitter Moore, Ommanda Trask, Mina Lou,
Sunny Phetthongsy, Phra Wisatchana, Pok Sphabmixay, Nang Manivanh, Anne Mekdara,
Phonsavanh Jo Bangphraxay, Fayethe Vongsouvanh, Chantala Kommanivanh,
Valouny Chanda Zoesch, Mali Vongsengkeo Smith, Anasone Silivongxay Chanthara,
Phim Bruner, Sonnaly Lee, Sylee Sayasounthone, Noy Bunn, Falith J Khan,
Kim Chanhpheng, Mina Athinaphone, Celine Bachesta, Phanida Phivilay,
Boualay Lackthai, Soutsada Sipaseuth, Deth Khaia, Nook Basto, Sinoeun Sininja,
Phamphong Sivongxay, Melinda Nouth, Kosal Sam, Teresa Tran, Tanaka Nhong,
Kabo Yang, Sayon Syprasoeuth, Tiffany Ratsavong, Dr. Phoukham Kelly Bounkeua,
Monreudy Chanthaboun Flores, Banh Keonouphet, Soumaly Inthavong, Chee Xiong
