Thương is a powerful word in Vietnamese. Thương means unconditional love, a love that exceeds one’s personal selfishness. Paradoxically, when you add the adverb “bị” in, bị thương means to be hurt. This project explores the contradictory meanings of this word, illustrating the intertwined relationship between love, pain and forgiveness, particularly through the lens of a Vietnamese Post-War generation. Drawing from historical narratives and personal experiences, where my family members found themselves on opposing sides during the war, these paintings offers a reflection on the inherited scars left by colonial oppression, and a desire to heal and love.

This series explores traditional Vietnamese childhood games, including O An Quan, Banh Dua, Cuop Co (Capture the Flag), and Nhay Lo Co (Hopscotch). These works capture the pure, childlike excitement and joy found in moments of play—feelings rooted in being fully immersed in the present, playing simply for the sake of having fun, without any goals or expectations.

In today’s capitalist world, where productivity is often valued above all else, the idea of engaging in something “unproductive” can feel out of place. However, my work challenges this notion. I believe that play is not only valid but essential—essential for our well-being, for healing, and for fostering connections within our communities. Through this series, I celebrate the power of play as a way to reconnect with joy, presence, and each other.

This portrait series features members of my family, celebrating their individuality and the bonds we share. Each subject is painted wearing clothing in colors I associate with them, reflecting their unique personalities and the way I see them. The backgrounds are adorned with hand-carved linoleum prints of Vietnamese-tile-inspired patterns I designed specifically for each person, adding a deeply personal touch. The vibrant color palette and cheerful expressions convey my love and admiration for them, elevating them as individuals while honoring our connection.

4o

Vietnam endured over 1,000 years of colonial rule by China, followed by occupations by France and America. This long history of conflict and suffering has profoundly shaped Vietnamese society, leaving lasting economic, social, and cultural impacts on current generations.

This series of paintings reflects on the enduring consequences of war and colonialism in Vietnam, both collectively and personally. Through vivid and evocative imagery, the works explore the wide-reaching devastation of war—capturing the destruction of nature, the loss of life, and the enduring scars of chemical warfare, exemplified by the devastating effects of Agent Orange. These paintings also weave in a personal narrative, drawing from my upbringing in a Vietnamese household deeply shaped by the war’s divisive and lasting impact.