Monthly Archives: March 2024

The Art of Antonius-Tin Bui

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Antonius-Tin Bui, a versatile Vietnamese American artist, showcases three distinct bodies of work in the exhibition: “Do not laminate this card,” “Not Sorry for the Trouble,” and two portraits. Each piece delves into the enduring challenges and stereotypes faced by AAPI individuals, while also reflecting Bui’s exploration of unconventional beauty through the medium of paper. “Do not laminate this card” comprises laminated collages juxtaposing images from the Vietnam War era with ancestral burning paper or joss paper. Originating from Bui’s 2017 trip to Vietnam, where they faced criticism from a U.S. government official for laminating their security card, this series is a poignant commentary on identity and heritage. (Voice of OC respects Bui’s choice of preferred pronouns, “they/them.”

Photo: Antonius-Tin Bui

Since completing their degree in 2016, Antonius has been fortunate to receive fellowships from esteemed institutions such as the Vermont Studio Center, Kala Art Institute, Tulsa Artists Fellowship, Halcyon Arts Lab, and Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. These opportunities have allowed them to diversify their artistic practice, extending beyond hand-cut paper techniques. Currently, Antonius explores themes of Vietnamese history and queerness through various mediums including performance, textiles, and photography. Their work has been showcased at a wide array of venues, ranging from institutional to underground, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Smithsonian Arts & Industry Building, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Hillyer Art Space, Lawndale Art Center, Living Arts, 108 Contemporary, Artscape, and the Philbrook Museum.


Antonius’s art intricately weaves together narratives of culture and identity, crafting pieces that transcend time with their enduring beauty. Each work serves as a tribute to cultural heritage, radiating a unique elegance that captivates and inspires viewers. Through their art, Antonius breathes life into stories that resonate deeply, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of human experience.

Heritage Vocabulary

  1. 文化 (wénhuà) – Culture
  2. 身份 (shēnfèn) – Identity
  3. 经典 (jīngdiǎn) – Timeless
  4. 美丽 (měilì) – Beauty
  5. 故事 (gùshì) – Story

Reference: https://voiceofoc.org/2022/12/yellow-submarine-rising-gives-asian-american-artists-a-platform-to-speak-and-shine/.

The Art of Roshan Ganu

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Originally hailing from Goa and now based in Minneapolis, Roshan Ganu is a versatile multimedia artist. Through her practice, she explores the depths of human experience using light, darkness, motion, space, and time. Her fascination lies in the intricate connections between language, visuals, experiences, and various disciplines. Ganu’s creations breathe life into narratives, moments, and emotions, inviting viewers into a realm of vulnerability. Central to her artistic vision is the theme of “isolation,” which serves as a lens through which she examines the human condition.

Observing her art is akin to observing the cosmos, capturing the profoundness of depth, space, texture, color, and time. Ganu’s art is inherently interdisciplinary, seamlessly intertwining cultural influences with her own unique and personal perspectives, enriching her work with layers of depth and meaning. Her art transcends boundaries, offering viewers a glimpse into the interconnectedness of humanity and the universe, evoking introspection and contemplation on the complexities of existence.

Formal language is a means to our consciousness. But consciousness itself knows no formal language. I am interested in a transdisciplinary translation of concepts and the fluidity of our human experience. I speak and understand six languages: Marathi, Konkani, Hindi, English, French, and Portuguese. Each language ignites its own consciousness and in each language I understand myself differently. The immigrant experience complicates this by introducing a foreign context. I am interested in this interflow of meaning in a multilingual and multicultural framework.

Roshan Ganu

In a world defined by diversity and cultural richness, creative expression serves as a vital conduit for celebrating our multifaceted identities and bridging differences. Through the lens of art, encompassing language, heritage, and culture, we find a common ground where individual narratives coalesce into a harmonious tapestry of human experience. The borderless nature of artistic expression transcends geographical confines, fostering connections that traverse continents and cultures. As we embrace the kaleidoscope of perspectives and voices, we cultivate a universal environment of understanding and empathy, paving the way for peace and unity in our global community. In cherishing and preserving our cultural heritage while embracing innovation and diversity, we illuminate the path towards a more inclusive and compassionate world, where art becomes a catalyst for profound transformation and collective harmony.

Reference: https://mnartists.walkerart.org/roshan-ganu-language-and-illusion http://www.roshanganu.com/

Try a Healthy Eating Plan to Reduce Stress

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One factor contributing to weight gain among busy, stressed individuals is their tendency to opt for fast food or dining out more frequently. This inclination is understandable; after a hectic day, there may be little time or energy left to prepare a meal from scratch at home. However, prioritizing healthy eating habits at home can assist in preventing unwanted weight gain during stressful periods, as homemade meals typically offer superior nutritional value compared to fast food options. Additionally, homemade meals often feature smaller portions and lower fat content than restaurant offerings. Moreover, cooking at home can lead to financial savings, indirectly alleviating stress by reducing financial strain. While the idea of cooking a nutritious or unfamiliar dish after a long day may seem daunting, it is more manageable than one might imagine. Here are some convenient and straightforward guidelines to help incorporate healthier meals into your home-cooking routine.

  • Plan ahead
  • Keep it simple
  • Cook ahead
  • Use a crock-pot
  • Try an instant pot

There is a huge wealth of recipes for the Instant Pot, as well as online communities and recipes for those who are learning to use them.Verywell Mind

Getting into the habit of eating healthy and planning meals ahead can greatly reduce stress, and also reduce the strain on your wallet. Diet and mental health are closely related, eating healthy also improves ones mental health and well-being. It’s important to eat fresh veggies, stay hydrated, and lower sugar, salt, and processed foods. Keeping these guidelines can be beneficial in your daily life.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/healthy-eating-plan-to-reduce-stress-3144530

The Artist John Hasegawa

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Photo Credit: John Hasegawa

Native to Seattle, Washington, Associate Professor John Hasegawa leads the Ceramics department at Mt. Hood Community College, where he instructs students in both introductory and advanced levels of ceramic artistry. His educational journey commenced with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Puget Sound, where he pursued a dual major in Philosophy and Mathematics, followed by a second Bachelor of Arts degree in Art. Continuing his academic pursuit, he attained a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics from the University of Oregon.

“I have created some mizusashi and when I think about it, it’s really my version of them because that’s a very Japanese thing. There’s probably all these rules, but I was looking at what these Japanese artists were and trying to reinterpret them back into my Japanese American aesthetic.”

John Hasegawa

Throughout his career, John has imparted his expertise at various institutions across the United States, including Emporia State University in Kansas, Worcester Craft Center in Massachusetts, Armory Art Center in Florida, University of Oregon, and University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. Notably, he recently relocated from Paducah, Kentucky, where he enriched the artistic community by teaching Ceramics, 3-D design, and Digital Photography at the Paducah School of Art.

John’s artistic endeavors extend beyond the classroom, with his works showcased in exhibitions nationwide, earning him numerous accolades for his contributions to the field of ceramics. Johns work highlights subtle and elegant detail, modern and traditional; his work is creative and timeless.

Reference:https://www.johnhasegawa.com/ https://www.opb.org/article/2023/12/10/john-hasegawa-uses-pottery-to-explore-asian-american-identity/