2012 State Asian Art Exhibit, A Bold Journey of Growth at the Atrium Gallery

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents the “2012 State Asian Art Exhibit, A Bold Journey of Growth" at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill. We are proud to announce Thailet Saengaloun as our current New Vision/New Curator for the State Asian Arts Exhibit: A Bold Journey of Growth. Her vision is to capture the different phases of creativity and innovations by searching deep within oneself. The show embraces the artists’ journey towards self-discovery within their endless possibilities of making art from different perspectives, inspiration, techniques, and mediums.

Participating Artists: Jenny Jisun Kim, Kameko Branchaud, Ben Rittmann, Cuong Abel Sy, Li Jun Lai, Min Ji Lee, James Sawyer, Nicholai David Go, Chen Liu, Zhu Haipeng

International Artists: T.P.G. Amarajeewa and Chaminda Gamage (Sri Lanka)

Performers: RI Kung Fu Club (China), Laotian Dance Troupe of RI (Laos), Shyanki Jayawickrema (Sri Lanka), Ro Prum (Cambodia)

Curator: Thailet Saengaloun

Curator Statement:
A Bold Journey of Growth
“The theme that I had envisioned for the show was influenced from different feelings I initially had at that time. Taken back from my surroundings and reflecting with the true meaning of Art, I would often stare at the trees. My reflection of what it meant to be Asian was a trip back to memory lane when I arrived in the USA with my family. That was 23 years ago; America was such a New World then. Within American culture and education, I grew to become who I am now, an artist. Like the beautiful trees growing, awakening and budding, I too grow throughout the years. The aspect of growth was very significant for me at that time and growth can be derived from many meanings, such as inward, outward, physical, metaphysical and so much more.”

“I then thought about what other Asians would experience in their own path to becoming artists and so that notion of journey stayed with me. The thought of journey can be a long or short trip, but to visualize that as a journey of someone’s life or fragments of their lives is such wonderful documentation that art can capture in very unique ways. The meaning of journey played a huge role in narrating our thought process and so I included that with the theme.”

“Lastly, I wanted to welcome all kinds of diversities of creativity and boldness, which propels the show to be different, new and exciting but still being balanced by working together as one. I chose the aspect of thriving to help the content of the show, where that thriving mentality is endless and correlates to the journey and growth theme. As an artist, we are set within our journey to self-discovery where we will undoubtedly grow within our means and naturally making art that is bold, which can be very different and unique. By bringing these three themes together I have opened the doors to endless creativity and welcomed art of all mediums.” - Thailet Saengaloun

Curator: Bio
Thailet Saengaloun, is currently an under-gradate and finishing her last semester at Rhode Island College as a Ceramic Sculptor/Potter, and also has a Minor in Art History.

In the past, she has helped build non-profit organization like RiverzEdge Arts Project in Woonsocket as mentor/leader for the painting department. She had also worked with Rhode Island College Sculpture Tour with its organization, also known as Engaging Visual Arts Collaborative, which she held office as Treasurer. She is currently involved with organizations like the Laotian Community Center and Southside Cultural Center, in hopes of changing the community for a positive and brighter future with her passion for the arts.

Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) developed the Atrium Gallery to recognize talented artists from communities throughout the state. The Atrium Gallery hosts multidisciplinary exhibitions in partnership with diverse artists and cultural organizations. The gallery features a stunning tall glass ceiling with light that cascades into an open space surrounded by three walls of artwork. This has become a destination point for visitors and the many people who frequent the Administration offices at One Capitol Hill, while enriching the environment for hundreds of state workers in the building.

State Asian Art Exhibit
The Asian Art Exhibit recognizes the contributions of both visual and performing artists from China, Cambodia, Korea, Laos, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and the Hmong community. These exhibits provide opportunities to develop and strengthen relationships within diverse communities, while raising awareness and promoting local Asian artists.

International Artist and Cultural Exchange Program
International Artist and Cultural Exchange includes community workshops, artist presentations, film screenings, panel discussions, and art exhibits. This program brings together inter-cultural art in multi-disciplinary forms at several venues across Rhode Island.

New Visions/New Curators Program
The Atrium Gallery encourages the development of new curators and gallery directors from diverse communities through the New Visions/New Curators Program. Artists of color are provided logistical support to curate a show by defining a theme, professionally installing the artwork, and creating marketing materials that promote the exhibit. Previous participants have curated exhibitions in local and regional galleries and museums. This highly successful program has become an incubator for new curators that promote viewpoints and voices of artists of color.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. To learn more visit www.arts.ri.gov