Third Floor Gallery exhibit a powerful reflection of the Hmong-American experience

By Teri Brisson

Saib Kuv, which translates from Hmong to English as Watch me or See the Hmong in me, is the current exhibit in the Third Floor Gallery, Library and Information Center on the Saint Paul campus.

The 27 pieces of the exhibit are digitally manipulated photographic portraits from 19 different artists. Each piece is coupled with poetry or prose written by the artist. The show was organized by the local nonprofit, In Progress, which provides opportunities for marginalized young people to develop their skills as storytellers, artists and leaders through the use of digital media. It is a profound visual and literary illustration of the Hmong-American experience and the human realities which are endured when two cultures converge.

The exhibit tells a story of the Hmong-American experience starting with Hmong heritage and traditions. Houa Lor’s “Qeej” models one conventional instrument. “Paj Thauj Colors” by Kao Choua Vue illustrates traditional colors and embroidery. Additionally, Maniechan Xiong’s “Hmong New Year” celebrates one of the Hmong cultures annual celebrations.

As the exhibit progresses around the room, the refugee’s struggle from Laos unfolds. Pieces like Choua Lor’s “Relief,” Serina Vue’s “The River of Sacrifices,” and Kao Choua Vue’s “Mother,” illustrate the circumstances in which many Hmong people came to the United States. These pieces also depict the sacrifices and hardships they were forced to endure in order to gain their freedom.

Different pieces reflect what it means to be both Hmong and American. Hongfa Thao’s “Hmong American” brilliantly illustrates a Hmong-American person dressed in traditional attire in one half of the piece and in a T-shirt and pants in the other. The piece represents the convergence of the two cultures and how Hmong-Americans are able to identify with both. The piece “Hmonglish” by Yunie Xiong also demonstrates the meeting of the two cultures.

Some pieces, like Cha Lor’s “Going-Going-Going–Gone” demonstrates a confliction between the two cultures. It indicates an aversion towards Americanization and the importance in holding on to Hmong culture. It ponders whether becoming Americanized means having to give up Hmong traditions, culture and language. Adversely, Gao Yee Thao’s “As we grow” explains that Americanization does not have to lead to the disappearance of Hmong culture. It is the responsibility of every generation to pass on its stories and memories in order to keep the culture and tradition alive.

Saib Kuv (Watch me-See the Hmong in me) is an exceptional experience reflecting the lives of Hmong-Americans and gives deep insight into what it means to identify simultaneously with two cultures.

Every piece in the exhibit is available to purchase between only $50 and $75. Purchases must be made through gallery director Erica Rasmussen at 651-999-5942 or by e-mail at erica.rasmussen@metrostate.edu. Prints of the entire collection can also be purchased in the gallery by buying the exhibition catalogue for only $30.

Gallery hours are Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4p.m. During the summer months, the gallery is closed on Fridays. The gallery is located on the third floor of the Library and Learning Center, 645 7th Street East, St. Paul. The exhibit is currently open and will continue through Friday, July 24, 2009.