I draw attention to the Secret War and the Laotian diaspora. Composed with acrylic and charcoal, these objects of violence might almost be mistaken for beautiful abstractions. I aim to demonstrate how the issues did not end with the conclusion of the war but continues today in new forms.

They echo the haunting nature of conflict, revealing the lasting impact of violence and the intergenerational traumas in its wake. Yet, through subtle details—such as the ornate hair adornments of a young girl or the fold of a dancer’s dress—I also reveal the resilience of Laotian culture.