ARTIST STATEMENT
Thương is a powerful word in Vietnamese. Thương means unconditional love, a love that exceeds one’s personal selfishness. When you add the adverb “bị” in, bị thương means being hurt. My work explores the contradictory meanings of this word, illustrating the intertwined relationship between love, pain and forgiveness. In addition, my work delves into the profound impact of generational trauma in the context of colonialism. Drawing from historical narratives and personal experiences within a Vietnamese Post-War generation, where family members found themselves on opposing sides, my art serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring scars left by colonial oppression and racial discrimination. Through 2-dimensional mixed-media paintings featuring figures adorned in colorful traditional clothing, I juxtapose the warmth of Vietnamese patterns with a contrasting color palette that symbolizes the intensity of emotional turmoil. By intertwining themes of love, pain, forgiveness, and the enduring legacy of trauma, my work invites viewers to confront the complexities of personal and collective histories, while offering a pathway towards healing and reconciliation.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Trang Huynh was born in 2002 in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam and currently lives and works in the United States. In 2024, she received her BFA in General Fine Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. Historical, political and personal references of growing up as a Vietnamese Post-War generation acts as a catalyst for Huynh to use art as a healing tool. She portrays people with colorful traditional clothes in intimate settings to explore the intertwined relationship between love, pain and forgiveness. She received several awards, such as the Creative Vision Award, Starr Foundation Scholarship, Distinguished International Award, etc. Huynh had a solo exhibition titled “Over 1000 Years of Pain” at the British International School in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. She has also participated in various group exhibitions including “Jeans On, Jeans Off” and “Selections” at Lazarus Center, Baltimore, MD. She was selected for the exhibition “Next Gen 11.0” at VisArts Center, Rockville, MD.
© Trang Huynh