Equilibrium
Equilibrium explores the second-generation immigrant experience, delving into its profound impact on relationships and identity. Viewers passively observe separations and distances, akin to seeing oneself through glass. The artwork parallels reconciliation’s tension with water’s flowing nature, mirroring the Vietnamese diaspora’s cultural narrative within the currents. Love and grief are laid bare, their vulnerability heightened through the viewer’s gaze, the glass echoing the multifaceted nature of identity.
Despite the impression of understanding through the transparent divide, the inherent barrier prevents experiencing inhabitation behind the glass. Observing imparts proximity, yet the experience remains elusive, encapsulated in the work’s reception. This dynamic engages in the ever-evolving narrative of growth and recognition defining the parent-child relationship.
The dichotomy between the child’s evolving consciousness and the absence of the parent’s lived experience unfolds in the artwork’s reception. Ignorance, curiosity, assumption, and acknowledgment intertwine, reflecting the intricate dance of understanding. Ultimately, unexpressed love transforms into grief.”
Kitsune
This artwork delves into the nuanced interplay of copper symbolizing fertility and prosperity in alchemy and the ceremonial Kitsune mask. Once revered, copper is now commodified, echoing the contemporary commodification of love. Crafted through transformative smithing, it embodies the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, urging reflection on evolving narratives.
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Thuy-Dan Claudia Lam is an emerging Vietnamese-American artist practicing on Gadigal land. Through jewellery and ceramic methodologies she engages in dialogue concerning nuances of the immigrant identity through a passive gaze. She delves into the story of Vietnamese diaspora and familial bonds, encapsulating love, grief, and cultural narratives in her work. Lam’s work offers a introspective lens on identity, encompassing the intricacies of reconciliation and growth in relationships and autonomy