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About Me
Đan Lynh Phạm (b. 1993, Saigon) is a Vietnamese American interdisciplinary artist and illustrator. Born in Vietnam and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Phạm received her BFA in Studio Arts with a focus on watercolor and sculpture at Oklahoma State University.
Phạm creates a unique blend of graphic language with Vietnamese art traditions, employing an analytical approach to art-making. Her artistic practice serves as a visual diary, integrating 2D and 3D elements to delve into her ongoing exploration of identity, socialization, and her experiences growing up as a child of refugees.
Her work has been featured in national and international exhibitions such as Oklahoma Contemporary, Wells Contemporary, and solo shows across Oklahoma and Texas. Pham was an Artist Creative Fund Grant recipient in 2023 and will be a part of an upcoming exhibition at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in 2025.
Artist Statement
Growing up as a Vietnamese refugee in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I often felt caught between two worlds. At home, I was expected to conform to the Confucian family structure, which emphasized filial piety and respect for elders. At school, however, I was expected to assimilate into a predominantly American culture that rewarded individualism, self-achievement, and assertiveness. These conflicting expectations left me feeling like my Vietnamese heritage was a hurdle to my success in America.
However, as I have grown older, I have come to appreciate the importance of preserving my history and culture and remembering my ancestors' and parents' sacrifices to give me the opportunities I have today.
My work is a visual diary and reflects my journey as a diasporic Việt Kiều. I blend graphic language with Vietnamese art traditions, using vibrant colors and intricate compositions to create a visual language that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. I take an analytical approach to art making, planning every detail of my work to serve a purpose and communicate a message. Through storytelling and art making, I have connected with my roots and honored the generations before me.
