Artist: Kou Xiong
Artist Statement:
This self-portrait is inspired by Professor Caroline Kieu
Linh Valverde and her unique vision of art. While brainstorming for this piece,
I was struck with the idea of anger and rage. I wanted to display a
self-portrait that encompasses the image of a Race Traitor and a Monster Child.
An image that can conveys the tragedy and confusion of what other sees in mix
race individuals. My background portrait is a bombing scene of the Vietnam War.
It is there to show the fear that was born within my parents’ hearts living
through the war… and that War Babies and Love Child aren’t the only thing that
is born during war. I then Photoshop the stone carving texture into the art
piece to show that this art piece has an element of history… and that true history
is not written in textbook but is carved in stone.
I want this art piece to break down the social stigma placed
upon mix race individuals. To show that it doesn’t matter what race we are or
what kind of life we live… we as human beings will experience happiness and joy
as well as sorrow and confusion. That is why I base my art piece on the image of
myself, a 100% Hmong person, reflecting a Race Traitor.
After reading your artist statement, I had an epiphany. Is it not fear the fuels the resistance towards mixed race individuals? Memories of fear and past wars. Fear of change in the present. Fear of not knowing what the enemy looks like in the future. Yet, this burden that was placed on you does not make you sad. Instead you are angry at it and refuse to be dehumanized. What a beautiful and inspiring piece!
ReplyDeleteWow, I did not expect your artist statement to reach so deep into the identify of being a race traitor. This was beautifully written, and the reason why you photoshopped the war in the back and the texture gave the piece of art a deep meaning into basically being everything but the dominant race - you will experience those that will make fun of you and leave you in confusion of your identity. I would not change a thing about this, wonderful piece of art that follows a well written artist statement.
ReplyDeleteYou artist statement well describes your art piece and yourself as a Hmong born with parents who lived in fear due to war that was not even theirs to begin with. The depth of your artist statement hints your readers your parents struggles that you see everyday. And we see that some of these struggles are passed down on you. Overall, well written statement and very bold art piece! Great job Kou!
ReplyDeleteYour art piece captures the energy and zeitgeist of race traitors strike back! However, the first paragraph of the artist statement seems disconnected from the second paragraph. In order to evolve your ideas, you could talk about historical solidarity between Hmong people and Amerasians (or other mixed race groups) in the context of the Viet Nam War or American War in Viet Nam.
ReplyDeleteYour art piece is very striking. It's very well thought of. I enjoy seeing the things that you consider to make you a race traitor. Your artist statement does a great job in explaining what you try to show in your image. Over all great work.
ReplyDelete