In honor of Pride Month, we would like to highlight our long-time friend and Lam Vong Circle member, Kim Sandara.
Kim Sandara is a bi, genderqueer, Lao/Vietnamese American, multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, NY. In 2016, they graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art, with a BFA in General Fine Arts. Using abstract painting, stop motion animation and cartooning, their work focuses on queer escapism, intergenerational trauma and intersectional identity. In 2019 and 2021 they've been featured in the Washington Post for their music paintings and 270 Million Project, bringing spotlight on the bombs left in Laos from the American Secret War. In 2023, their DC mural was featured on a New York Times article on public spaces. In October 2023 they finished a Lao horror zine, Phi, illustrating ghost stories based off of Lao folklore. Currently, they are working on a graphic novel memoir on their coming out story. In addition, they are in a Vietnamese diaspora zine project called “Vagabond” with an art show coming to the DMV in June 2024. They're also printing a new small zine called "Lao Food Memories" which will come with an array of Lao food stickers coming out in July 2024.
Legacies of War stands with our LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging their achievements, passion, and ongoing advocacy. Thank you Kim Sandara for your endless support in raising awareness on the history of the American Secret War in Laos and Lao culture.