TWO PHOTOGRAPHS: "BURNING CITY"

Tian Tian

Artist Statement: ​These artworks are part of a series which I have entitled "Burning City," a reference to a certain poem by Ocean Vuong. The series explores my Vietnamese identity, which is often forgotten because I'm also Chinese and American. Even though my father and his entire family were born in Vietnam, I sometimes don't feel Vietnamese enough (as if there is a gauge). These works confront that notion with an almost menacing frankness that I hope will reaffirm identity for others as well.

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While she meditates, Tian Tran writes poetry and short fiction. While she clouds the sky, she takes glorified selfies. Her literary work has been recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition and various literary magazines. Her photography has appeared in TRACK//FOUR and Sugar Rascals, among others