Stephanie Tran Vu
Being a heavy thinker ever since I was young, the incapability of translating thoughts from the mind to the mouth is an everyday issue for me, especially from growing up in a non-confronting Asian family and community. Thus, as a second-generation Vietnamese American who struggles with communication, I use my artwork as my voice in order to express my identity. The human subjects in my art are portrayed more realistically to share the feeling of connection with tender familial memories or to criticize significant issues within my community that may not be addressed as often. They act as a window into the feelings I am incapable of communicating.
“Nhau, Together”
A recreation of a Kodak photo I found of my dad and other relatives gathered around on the floor, enjoying beer and a meal together in Vietnam. To “nhau” means to share a drink with others and is very special in Vietnamese culture.
Digital Art
2100 x 1400px
“Mellow Yellow”
The three panels visualize the last few lines of a self-written slam poem about Asian hate and the inferiority I felt as an Asian American. Transcript: “eyes dark as the midnight sky / shaped like the crescent moon but / BRIGHTENED by our GOLDEN SKIN”
Gouache on Bristol Paper
11” x 27”
