|
Thiphasone Phimviengkham (pronounced "tip-pa-sawn pim-vieng-kaam"), was born in Vientiane, Laos and grew up in the central province of Thakhek. In 1979, Thiphasone--affectionately known by her family and friends as "Tutu"--immigrated with her family to the United States. She grew up watching and helping her mother and her two older sisters work the loom, weaving Lao textile motifs and patterns that alluded to legendary heroes, mythical creatures and gods in Lao literature. The weaving of textiles was not merely a form of art; it was also a way of making a living and clothing the family. When she was not helping the family with the weaving, Tutu studied and practiced Lao dance.
Naturally, Tutu's art work began to reflect the union of the two art forms: Lao textiles and traditional dance. Apsaras (celestial dancers) and Nagas (giant serpents) play a role in her collection because of their influence on Lao dance and textile. Also playing a significant role in her collection is Tutu's mother. Tutu explains, "My mother had no training in the arts, yet she was able to create elaborate textiles and raise six kids at the same time. Her strength and creative power have influenced me to carry on that tradition in my artwork." Tutu's collection is a display of bringing to life legendary heroes, mythical creatures and gods. The Mekkhala dance movement, meaning goddess of the water, is one of the many works in her collection.
|
