MÌNH
Through the work of artists and writers, MÌNH explored Vietnamese and Chinese diasporic life in Australia today, and questioned what it means to be who we are now. Presenting 17 contributors, the exhibition revealed collective memories, yearnings and preoccupations.
MÌNH is an everyday word which refers to our bodies and selves, but it also means us; about who we are as individuals as well as how we exist together.
Curator: Sheila Ngọc Phạm
Artists and writers: Dacchi Dang, Christina Huynh, Matt Huynh, Phương Ngô, Đình Huy Nguyễn, James Nguyen, Lucia Tường Vy Nguyễn, Lynn Nguyễn, Kim Phạm, Victoria Pham, Vivian Pham, Hoài Mành Tất, My Lệ Thi, Bic Tieu, Huyen Hac Helen Tran, Maria Trần, Garry Trinh.
Download the MÌNH exhibition catalogue(PDF, 3MB)
Read this essay by Sheila Ngoc Pham on diaCRITICS about how the exhibition was received.
Exhibition period: 29 April - 14 October 2023
Images by Silversalt Photography
How can art help mình heal?
This event included a special screening of ‘Looking For You | Tìm Hiểu’, a poetic and bilingual film weaving a rich tapestry of intergenerational stories examining the mother-daughter relationship in Vietnamese culture: from survival, shame, sacrifice, to food, the language of love. Followed by a panel discussion between psychologist Chris Tran, MÌNH artists Bic Tieu and Christina Huynh, with curator Sheila Ngọc Phạm.
MÌNH LÀ AI?
Mình là ai meaning ‘who are we?’ in Vietnamese, was a family-friendly open day for the community, as the MÌNH exhibition drew to a close.
An afternoon of cultural arts and activities including bilingual storytime for children, and art workshops by MÌNH artists Bic Tieu and My Lệ Thi: metal stamping as well as lantern making for Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival). Mình là ai also saw the burning of paper boats by curator Sheila Ngọc Phạm, contributing to the work Article 14.1 by artist Phuong Ngo. The burning of the boats honoured those who were lost and continue to be lost at sea.
Event documentation by Legacy Studios and Jimmy Ky.