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War Wounds: Trinh Mai

 

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WAR WOUNDS

Trinh Mai
Project Wall Installation
November 5, 2016 – May 14, 2017
Opening Reception: November 5th from 7-10pm

Among the commonalities that we share as human beings, perhaps one of the most profound is our collective need to heal.

The delicate materials used to craft these physical and emotional wounds speak on their sensitive, tender nature. These lacerations have afflicted us with discomfort, pain, and heartache, but like antiseptic on an open wound, the sting somehow aids in our healing. Although this suffering is hardly welcomed, it has the potential of serving as a catalyst for a period of transformation and revival, igniting a strength within us that we might have not known existed otherwise.

As time mends all things, it also reveals the grace that is born out of these moments of grief-the invaluable lessons learned, the significant truths that surface, and the kindling of a compassion that pierces even deeper than the wounds themselves. And when they heal, they stamp upon us these unique scars as proof of the intrinsic strength that has, time and time again, led to our conquest over adversity-not only as survivors, but as the warriors we are.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Trinh Mai is a current Community Engagement artist-in-residence at Grand Central Art Center, working with the Santa Ana senior affordable housing community of Heninger Village. She is an interdisciplinary, California-based artist whose work is driven by innovative narratives of storytelling. Her artistic creations re-imagine personal memories, family roots, and spiritual connections that alter conceptions of our identities and shared histories.

Since receiving her B.F.A. in Pictorial Art from San Jose State University and furthering her studies at UCLA, Trinh has exhibited nationally, as well as showing in public and private collections internationally. Her passion for intermixing arts and collaboration has inspired her community involvement. She has served as Project Director for the Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association (VAALA), Master Teaching Artist for the Bowers Museum, Course Developer for the Pacific Symphony, and Curator at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

ABOUT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community Engagement (CE), a collaborative partner of Grand Central Art Center, was founded in July 2015 in Orange County, California. Its mission is to stimulate positive social interaction in diverse communities through innovative and socially motivated art practice. CE brings people and communities together to creatively explore their shared spaces.