Last night, Hmong artist Seexeng Lee came in to talk to the class. He discussed art in general and then focused in on Hmong art and what that is. Basically, he said that Hmong art is more like a craft than "classical art," and he said that Hmong art is always functional. Then, he discussed how Hmong art has been changing with Hmong immigrants crossing boundaries between two cultures. For instance, the art has a degree of hybridity and is less traditional. Lastly, he talked about his own experience and what art has meant to him--making the invisible visble, in his words.
I was glad to hear from an artist whose work we have seen before, both in the Hmong center and in the art exhibition. I always love gaining a better understanding of where the art originates because the art becomes much more meaningful. Now, I can go back to that exhibition and look at Seexeng's artwork with a new perspective. Also of note, I love passing by the huge mural in the music building every day. I think it's a beautiful art work that is much more than just art--it demonstrates individuality and community at once.
I was really glad to hear what Seexeng had to say about Hmong/cultural art. In particular, I connected with what he said about people seeing Hmong or cultural art and passing it off as not very deep. Sometimes, when I see art with a message about culture, I think that it only has one simple message. However, Seexeng demonstrated that there is so much more to cultural artworks. For example, he showed the black and white photo with the traditional Hmong woman in color, and I would have looked at it and just seen that the tradition stands out and is important, Then, he explained how important the message was in showing that some Hmong feel like they are the only ones trying to hold onto their culture. That was really cool! I am encouraged now to look deeper at art from all different cultures. A deeper view will require learning more about the cultures in general, I believe.
I was glad to hear from an artist whose work we have seen before, both in the Hmong center and in the art exhibition. I always love gaining a better understanding of where the art originates because the art becomes much more meaningful. Now, I can go back to that exhibition and look at Seexeng's artwork with a new perspective. Also of note, I love passing by the huge mural in the music building every day. I think it's a beautiful art work that is much more than just art--it demonstrates individuality and community at once.
I was really glad to hear what Seexeng had to say about Hmong/cultural art. In particular, I connected with what he said about people seeing Hmong or cultural art and passing it off as not very deep. Sometimes, when I see art with a message about culture, I think that it only has one simple message. However, Seexeng demonstrated that there is so much more to cultural artworks. For example, he showed the black and white photo with the traditional Hmong woman in color, and I would have looked at it and just seen that the tradition stands out and is important, Then, he explained how important the message was in showing that some Hmong feel like they are the only ones trying to hold onto their culture. That was really cool! I am encouraged now to look deeper at art from all different cultures. A deeper view will require learning more about the cultures in general, I believe.
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