The Artist
Hi, I’m Mai. I’m a Vietnamese American artist from the suburbs of Washington, D.C. These days, you can find me in my studio in Southern Maryland. I create large, expressive paintings that tell stories from my life.
Growing up as a kid of refugees meant learning early on how to live between worlds. That experience shaped how I understand home, memory, and what it means to belong. More recently, I lived in Germany during the pandemic. Being in Europe during the lockdown deepened this understanding. Separated from loved ones by 6,526 kilometers, I reflected on what makes a person feel whole. When the world slows to a stop, what do we hold onto? My earlier work grew from exploring that question.
In my current series, I explore the idea of the “second act”, a period shaped by change, reinvention, and renewed perspective. I use my signature bold colors, nostalgic patterns, and animal imagery to preserve emotional and mnemonic elements in my work.