Đẹp: Reimagining Beauty in the Vietnamese Diaspora

May 13, 2024

The Mingei International Museum

Purpose

"Đẹp," meaning beautiful in Vietnamese, is not just an art exhibition; it's a revolutionary movement challenging entrenched beauty standards within Vietnamese culture. This groundbreaking exhibition utilizes the powerful medium of painting to take a bold stand against societal norms that have deemed certain features—such as monolid eyes, dark skin tones, diverse body shapes, tattoos, piercings, short hair, and LGBTQ identities—as 'ugly.' By celebrating these very features, "Đẹp" encourages viewers to question the concept of singular, idealized beauty and embrace a more expansive, inclusive understanding that authentically reflects the diverse tapestry of Vietnamese people.

The curated artworks within "Đẹp" are a visual testament to the resilience and beauty found in the very characteristics that have been historically marginalized. From strokes that capture the richness of dark skin tones to those that celebrate the strength of transgender identities, each painting challenges preconceived notions and invites viewers to appreciate the myriad ways beauty can manifest.

The word "Đẹp" serves as both a thematic anchor and a call to action. By using this term meaning beautiful, the exhibition challenges viewers to reimagine their perceptions and confront ingrained biases. The artist, Linh Nguyen, draws from personal experiences and cultural narratives to create a collection that dismantles the limitations imposed by societal norms, creating a space where individuality and diversity are celebrated.

"Đẹp" extends an invitation to engage in a transformative dialogue about the complexities of beauty. Beyond the canvases, the exhibition incorporates interactive discussions, workshops, and events that explore the intersectionality of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance. This immersive experience encourages participants to question societal norms and embrace a broader, more inclusive definition of beauty.

"Đẹp" is not just a statement; it's a movement towards a more inclusive, affirming, and diverse understanding of beauty within the Vietnamese community. Through the expressive strokes of each painting, the exhibition aims to challenge and reshape perceptions, celebrating the unique beauty found in every individual and inviting viewers to join the journey toward a more expansive and authentic definition of Đẹp.

Special Thanks:

  • Terry Smith

  • The Mingei International Museum

  • Social Belly Eats

  • The City of San Diego Community Projects Programs, and Services Funding Program

  • Photos and Video by Terry Smith

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Featuring Artist

Linh Nguyen, a Vietnamese immigrant artist, calligrapher, and muralist, is currently based in San Diego. Born and raised in Vietnam, Linh's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her immigrant experience and her cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from her roots, Linh's art serves as a bridge between her past growing up in Vietnam and her present living in the US.

Her passion for advocacy through art drives her collaborations with various organizations in the AAPI community, where she strives to amplify marginalized voices and celebrate diversity. Her work has been exhibited in her hometown Đà Nẵng and painted murals in the US & Vietnam.

Meet our Panelists

Emily (they/them) has a BS in Gerontology with Distinction and a Minor in Asian Studies. They serve on several advisory and leadership boards. Their core values are intentionality, mindfulness, and inclusion, which is the driving force in promoting healthcare justice and creating a more equitable and fair healthcare system for older adults. Emily’s Vietnamese-American heritage influences their perspective on inequality, community building, and civic duty issues. Emily currently is the Management Analyst who oversees the “healthy and age-friendly initiatives” for the city of Chula Vista.

Mimi Tran (she/her) is a first generation Vietnamese American and middle of three daughters to refugee and immigrant parents. A former classroom teacher, Mimi is now a financial professional who promotes financial literacy through saving for retirement and life insurance. She works with The Teaching and Learning Collaborative to create equitable educational experiences for students and families in underserved areas of San Diego. Mimi is currently filming "More Than Pho," a mini series showcasing the diverse culture, foods, and stories in City Heights.