Antonius-Tin Bui

Do not laminate this card

Mixed media, votive paper, laminate | 2018

Artist Statement

I still remember the first time a U.S. government worker scolded me for laminating my social security card. He embarrassed me in front of the entire line by pointing out that I couldn’t read the instructions on the back. I went home imagining my parents laminating all of their government papers in order to secure their citizenship in this foreign land. 

This ongoing body of drawings began shortly after my first trip to the motherland. I miss you Vietnam.  

Not Sorry for the Trouble

Hand and laser cut color paper | 2019

Artist Statement

This series is a response to the shared AAPI experience of intergenerational trauma, as well as a challenge to the stereotypical notions that AAPIs are silent, apolitical, and submissive. The cut paper forms are delicate and incredibly detailed, the medium a nod to the Chinese origin of the paper cutting art form. The shadows of the cut paper forms elevate the pieces from the physical flatness and provide a mesmerizing effect for the viewer from all angles. Each piece has a dedicated spotlight that emphasizes an illusioned physical depth, an elucidation of Bui’s message about aspects of the AAPI and AAPI LGBTQIA+ community.

Khanh Aiden Nguyễn

Hand cut paper | 2019

Carving into the white surface, an emerging figure is slowly revealed. The result is an illumination and reclamation of invisibilized Queer and Trans APIA narratives. Aiden is the co-founder of Vanguard, a LGBTQIA+ Zine for Vietnamese artists, designers and creatives. Through the process of hand-cutting, Aiden’s tattoos, pose, and constant state of becoming is preserved and honored. Compared to my other pieces, this one remains largely uncut, allowing space for the viewer to imagine all that’s unseen. I am continually inspired to revisit Aiden as my subject in the same way that one returns to a place or a thought as a form of witnessing our endless possibilities.

Stay with me
Hold my hand
There’s no need
To be brave

Hand cut paper | 2020

So often those who identify as APIA must do so as a negation, disputing what they aren’t. This portrait of Z and jas lin refuses to adhere to convention, putting a moment of unapologetically queer tenderness and embrace on display. Similar to many of my works, this piece honors unique ways of adornment and self-determination through careful attention to patterns, motifs, symbols, and the subtle colors reflecting against the white wall. The title are lyrics from I Will by Mitski.