BIPOC Artist Residency
CAM’s 2nd Annual BIPOC Artist Residency
2026 BIPOC Artist Resident: Van Vu
Vũ experiments with fiber illustration and works with textiles beyond making garments. Using mostly upcycled materials, Vũ explores themes of anti-imperialism and women in Vietnamese culture. Works include the recreation of Vietnamese propaganda posters and photographs that they took in Vietnam.
For the past three months, CAM’s artist in residence Vân Vũ has been working on a new series of mostly upcycled fabric “paintings” that explore themes of identity, anti-imperialism, and Vietnamese women, This new work marks an evolution in Vân’s practice as they move from a focus on aesthetics and wearable art to work that centers on a more direct message.
Inspired by the current political climate, Vân wanted to create work that commented on the violence of the US military complex and violence towards women and children that they are seeing now. Vân turned to Communist propaganda posters as source material for their textiles and was interested in the messaging. They found narratives around the strength of women, the importance of protecting children and preserving forests among other community-oriented messages.
It also gave Vân the chance to address the complexities of their own family dynamics and relationships. Making a portrait of their aunt allowed them to connect with her and use art as a tool for navigating complex family dynamics. This work, “reminds me where I’m coming from, certain baggage I have and certain relationships I’m trying to build.”
This new work is also influenced by the florals women often wear in Vietnam and in many cultures. Vân was excited to explore making textiles outside of the clothing that has been their focus for so long. They’re still using upcycled fabrics, but they enjoyed introducing florals and other fabrics they don’t normally have the opportunity to work with.
Working as CAM’s artist in residence gave Vân the chance to push their practice in new directions, break out of their creative routines and think beyond making garments. They are excited to be at the point in their career where they have the skills and confidence to experiment and put their deep understanding of textiles into practice. In many ways, Vân’s residency is a celebration of creativity and the challenge of working with what you have, figuring out ways to shape it, and seeing if it works out.
On Now - May 2, 2026
Common Objects 2601 1st Ave, Seattle
Vân will be showing their new work alongside the ceramic art of Nhi Vo who explores her Vietnamese identity through food. Both artists use their practice to process what it means to miss home.
