egg tempera

“Lan” là tên của mẹ/ “Orchid” is my mother’s name

30″ x 48″

A painting about my relationship with my mother (whose name is literally Orchid) during my years living overseas.

_______________________________________

Altar

30″ x 48″

One half is about my relationship with a loved one who came out as trans to me. I don’t live in Vietnam so I can’t be there for them as I should.

The other half is just about queer love and intimacy in general. The tiled floor and yellow wall is inspired by the Viet temples while the space itself is painted to resemble the home I grew up in. A few of the childhood photos were lent to me by queer friends. My partner lent me make up, props, and helped with reference.

(click on photo for full size)

_______________________________________

Untitled

24″ x 36″

Cement tiles (gạch bông) is an artisan-made material that came to Vietnam during the French Colonial period. The material has mostly disappeared from Vietnam with the advent of easier produced materials, and as old buildings are demolished to be replaced with more modern, minimalist, architectures. I grew up around these tiles, with distinct memories of tracing their decorative outlines as a kid. I replicated this specific design from my grandmother’s home, which was demolished while I was abroad. Watching these changes from a distance due to my life abroad makes me feel like a ghost, and the further I move away the more I find myself clinging to their memories for dear life.