Billboard Project: "Don't Let Our Culture Dye"

Published: Oct 17, 2009 by admin Filed under: News Views: 196 Tags: billboard, culture, dye, kao, lee, thao

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The Billboard Project: “Don’t Let Our Culture Dye” is prominently displayed on the corner of University and Cleveland Avenues in St. Paul until October 21st. (Amy Doeun / HMONG TIMES)

For those driving on University Avenue in St. Paul, a unique sight can be seen on the corner of Cleveland and University. Kao Lee Thao, an artist, has, through a grant from the Jerome Foundation and Forecast Public Art, made great art available to all. She said of her interesting medium, "For years my interest in public art has grown and what better way to display art than on a billboard. It will expand my audiences far beyond art shows and create more visibility for my medium and culture."

Thao explained how she chose the location, "There were a handful of locations on University Avenue to pick from, but I had to wait for an opening between billboard clients to install my piece. I waited patiently for the billboard on University Avenue and Cleveland because the unique vertical shape complimented my artwork."

The subject matter is as interesting as the medium. This project is entitled, "The Secret War Billboard." Thao described her purpose, "Each year my birth is a constant reminder of those left behind who continue to fight for my freedom. My aspiration was to create a painted billboard that speaks out about the injustices of the remaining Hmong soldiers, called Freedom Fighters, who fought the 'Secret War' started during the Vietnam War and who continue to fight today."

The theme or "tag line" of the piece is: "Don't Let Our Culture Dye." "My vision was to split the billboard into two worlds. My spirit is still trapped in the Jungles of Laos while my soul is in America living out my dreams. I want to inspire young minds to pursue their passion, but remind us not to forget how we won our freedom to America. We should all strive to create change and bring peace to the continued struggle in the jungles of Laos."

Thao said, "Growing up in America and being different, made it difficult to fit in with certain crowds. I turned to art as an escape from reality, but in the end I think art chose me. I spent half my life studying psychology hoping to become a psychiatrist, but I threw it all away to pursue my passion - art. To tell you the honest truth I don't think any parents support the idea of their kid becoming an artist, but if you don't allow them to dream how will you ever know what opportunities are out there."

HMONG TIMES asked Thao, "What is your purpose in making art in general?"

She replied, "The purpose of creating art is to freely express my emotions leaving a part of my soul behind to inspire others to pursue their passion."

The Billboard will be up through October 21st. "My favorite part of the project was driving by and seeing it up on the billboard. It's not everyday you get a chance to create art that is the size of a billboard. Now I just need to find a 26x24 foot room for it's final home once the project is completed."

For more information about the project go to: www.echoingvoices.com.

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