June 30 – October 10, 2021
About:
Tran’s artwork traces his journey as a Chinese Vietnamese American immigrant. “Tổ Tiên” translates to “ancestor” in English and Tran’s sculptures and collages make visible the cultural and genealogical connections between people seemingly separated by oceans and by generations.
Related Events:
Howard Tran: Tổ Tiên Exhibition Talk
Artist Howard Tran discusses his experience as a Chinese Vietnamese American immigrant, his art process, and the stories behind his work with Tiffany Demmon, the Samek Art Museum’s Public Programs and Outreach Manager.
Curatorial Text:
Howard Tran: Tổ Tiên
Tran’s artwork traces his journey as a Chinese Vietnamese American immigrant. “Tổ Tiên” translates to “ancestor” in English and Tran’s sculptures and collages make visible the cultural and genealogical connections between people seemingly separated by oceans and by generations.
Tran’s family immigrated from China to Vietnam during World War Two and, when Howard was twelve, from Vietnam to America. Generations of cultural adaptation have given Tran’s art its subject and hybrid form; his use of materials such as rice and burlap refer to traditional Asian cultures while his naturalistic figurative forms nod toward classical Western art.
Howard Tran is a Professor of Art at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA and his deeply reflective art is rooted in his experiences of this community.
Installation Images:
Top image credit: Howard Tran, To Tien #24, Clay, hemp fiber, wood, (day8)