October 28, 2024 IN: Community Stories, Our Voices
50th Anniversary Fundraiser: Embracing the generational shifts of SEAAs with Nha Hoang
Nha Hoang is a Vietnamese-American artist based in Rochester, NY. She likes to make culturally inspired illustrations and glimmers of slice-of-life moments that are inspired by childhood. She typically works digitally or in watercolor and mixed media. Learn more about Nha’s work here nhahoangart.store and her Instagram @nhahoang.art
Tell us a little about yourself! Who is your family/community, where are you located, what kind of art do you do?
Hello! My name is Nha. My family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam over 40 years ago and has since resided in Rochester, NY. I’m a barista by day and an artist by night. While my subjects are always in flux, I often work with digital art forms that integrate culturally inspired illustrations, and glimmers of slice-of-life moments inspired by my childhood.
What does the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian American refugee resettlement mean to you?
To me, this 50th anniversary represents the continued collective change in our community, and as cultural groups, we are always becoming more comfortable with ourselves. Our communities continue to break away from monolithic stereotypes with each generation, and I am proud to be a part of this ever-changing shift. We represent what it means to be culturally displaced, while finding our identity as we adapt and combine our ancestral heritage and American culture.
What organization are you supporting with this fundraiser, and why does their work speak to you?
I am supporting PAL Humanity, a medical organization founded by two sisters from Gaza that distributes aid and female care to their community. I believe it is important that during this difficult time and the genocide that is in Gaza, people receive the help that they deserve.
What do you hope for Southeast Asian American communities for the next 50 years?
For the future, I hope that Southeast Asian American communities can continue to grow and heal. As a child of immigrants, I hope that we will have a better understanding of the emotional and mental health differences and needs that each generation faces. I want us to continue to acknowledge the intergenerational trauma that our communities face because there is so much quiet strength and perseverance in our shared spaces.
Statement about the fundraiser piece: My concept came from thinking about generations of different families who share a history of displacement. They all hold a daffodil flower to symbolize new beginnings, opportunities, and chances to break intergenerational trauma. I wanted to take a more positive and hopeful approach so in a way we can better understand the differences in our generations if we come to focus on community healing.
