Meet Thao Kieu | Studio Artist & Advocate Against Sexual Violence & Mental Health Awareness

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thao Kieu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thao, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My practice reflects the objectified representations of my female body, aiming to intertwine the sexual and social normative. Sculptures, specific found objects, self portraiture, video based performance, and audio are the materials and formats used to create provocative works to subvert traditional notions of sex and identity. I create works that are imbued with the body, and use semiotics of bold
colors and vignettes to abstract quotidian life, to break the silence of my
childhood incest trauma. These strategies engage in forcing the politics of the
personal to disorient and confront debates around gender, power, and the liberty of expression in art and life through my autobiographical work.
I explore my body as a tool and also an object to perform live, in videos and
installations. I make my body representative to hold space for dialogue but take
up space on the walls of institutions that continue to uphold colonial hierarchies.
I am investigating intersectionality and nuances within feminism and the themes that objectify those preconceived notions. The body remembers. Psychological pain and suffering are the ways the body articulates traumatic experiences. I use trauma to create art. I intentionally arrange objects that reference the body and gender space evoke the sensations of post traumatic stress disorder. I make art to process, cope and rewire my brain’s understanding of the reality of PTSD. I assert agency and reclaim the lost power as a child now as a critical independent
thinker and maker to advocate and educate having hard conversations around
uncomfortable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a first generation Vietnamese American raised in Maine, I’m most excited to continue connecting with others on the West Coast where it is significantly more diverse than Maine.

Being an artist is a privilege but it is also hard. It’s competitive in terms of gallery shows, career and professionalism. It’s a space where a lot can be felt, where messages and metaphors can relate to the viewer. But it’s also a space where education can occur. For example, highlighting the female body/sexual violence/PTSD and dark humor.

Art allows me to tell people that “I do whatever the fuck I want” (but quite literally as an artist. I can be as quiet, as expressive and as loud and political)

There is always space for vulnerability. I wouldn’t say it’s easy, especially as a person who’s identity is marginalized. It’s surprising how much discomfort and anger can be generated from art that simply wants to scream and state that: “this is what happened to me” through visual cues of art materials. I make art to feel less alone, to help others realize that the topic of sexual violence can be spoken about.

The lesson I learned along the way is to always be true to your self. Speak your truths, let yourself be uncomfortable and let those around you feel that same discomfort. Those who understand will see you, will hear you. There’s always room to grow, to learn if willing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have no idea. I love to support local businesses though, maybe some coffee to start the day with a nice bite at some bakery/pastry/breakfast spot because I am a big pastry/bfast person.

A good week would be full of plans to immerse oneself in nature… I love to camp, be on trail, at the beach, watching the sunrise/set.

My most favorite will always be connecting with people, over the years I’ve learned that it has less to do with places and more to do with who I am with, or meeting. The best times have always been exploring together, finding new places/things to experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would shoutout all the victims and survivors of sexual violence. Our system does not highlight the issues regarding mental health awareness, nor does it create space to have uncomfortable conversations that relate to the lived experiences that greatly impact and alter ones entire being/perspective.

Website: https://www.thaokieu.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaokieuphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaokieusphotography/

Image Credits
By: Thao Kieu Photography https://thaokieuphotography.mypixieset.com/