Vinh Huynh
Columbus, GAMy Two Cultures
Silkscreen print on paper
I was born and raised in Vietnam, then I came to America in 2017 and found my passion for art. I am currently enrolled at Columbus State University and I am expecting to graduate in May 2024 with a BFA degree. My focuses in art are photography and printmaking. I consider myself a "narrative artist." My works usually tell everyday stories, highlight social issues and express self-identity. Growing up and absorbing two cultures, my cultural identity has become more complex and intricate. This has greatly enriched my artwork.
I strive to be my own hero. Being my own hero is not about saving the world but about accepting myself, being proud of who I am, and facing my own problems. In this artwork, "My Two Cultures," I used the symbols of an eagle and lotus flowers to represent The United States and Vietnam. I used the colors red and yellow from the Vietnamese flag. The red, white, and blue are taken from the USA flags. I address the feeling of being an immigrant in America. It is about simultaneously not being Vietnamese enough or American enough. Despite trying to blend in with the new environment, I thought I would never fully assimilate with the new culture because I wasn’t born here. At the same time, I also felt that I was drifting away from my traditions. I started to have different perspectives from my family and it made me feel like an outcast. I was trying hard to embrace my heritage while learning to survive in a new world. It wasn’t easy. Later, I realized that my blend of cultures makes me unique. I started to accept and love myself. In the end, I'm proud of where I come from and who I am. I became my own hero.
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