The Dragon and the Fairy, Moon Goddess, Deal with The Devil

by Thy Hoang

As a child, the world was so colorful to my eyes. I refused to let that universe slip from my grasp. I wanted it to stay as vibrant as it was in my imagination. The colors I choose for each artwork are intentionally chosen to evoke emotion within the viewer; I want them to feel something. What is adolescence if childhood is often associated with innocence, and adulthood is plagued with knowledge? That is the question I seek to answer in my body of work.

There are collective experiences in the Asian American community that are not spoken about because of generations of shame and silence, leading us to wander aimlessly with our heads hung low, as if our breathing stole another’s breath. For a girl whose first language isn't English, art is my voice.

I chose to submit these three artworks because of their direct connection to Asian stories and experiences. “The Dragon and the Fairy” is my modern reinterpretation of the myth of how Vietnamese people originated. “Moon Goddess” is also my take on the East/Southeast Asian personification of the moon. “Deal with The Devil” is on gambling addictions within Asian culture. Although it is terrifying to be vulnerable within your artwork, I try to put myself out there in hopes of people like me feel connected to my art.

“The Dragon and the Fairy”

“Deal with the Devil”

“Moon Goddess”