Thank You, No Thank You
Curated byCatzie Vilayphonh
ARTISTS: Lanica Angpak | Natalie Bui | Leslie Condon | MyLoan Dinh | Aragna Ker | Chantala Kommanivanh | Jinny Ly | Nguyen Khoi Nguyen | Alex Nguyen-Vo | Sisavanh Phouthavong | Sayon Syprasoeuth | Barbara Tran and Morgan Ommer | Saymoukda Vongsay | Catzie Vilayphonh
June 5 – August 14, 2020
2020 marks the 45th year anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, a significant date for the Southeast Asian diaspora of Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian refugees who resettled in America because of the conflicts. While past narratives around the War focus on American veterans, very little amplifies the voices of over 2.5 million displaced Southeast Asians, many who are now Americans themselves.
"Thank You, No Thank You" is a statement reflecting the expectations of being a “good immigrant” and not an “ungrateful refugee.” For those living here whose displacement is also the result of U.S. policies, America represents being home and homeless. This exhibition highlights the struggles, negotiations, and complexities in the identities of Southeast Asian American refugees of war.
Click on the thumbnails to find out more about the artists and artwork!
Missed the artist talks? Watch the recorded sessions below.