Hmong Top Secret

Stories are tales told to others. Secrets are unheard tales held within us. The Vietnam (Secret) War happened years ago. And yet, a lot of people still don't know about the Hmong, who helped the United States throughout the war. Everyone has a secret/story to tell, whether it was before, during, or after the war. It's up to you to expose it or keep it unheard. Educate someone. Make them wonder. Make them aware. --- Scenic, enjoy the view. ( scenic-topsecret.tumblr.com )

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I stuck it on the back of my bible! I know that it will serve me well as a reminder of where the Hmong come from and our unique story.

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Posted these up at school in honor of Asian American Heritage month. :) If we posted it sooner then it would have been in time for Hmong American Day on May 14th. 

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Hmong Club of Harding High School, MN

Hmong Top Secret Inkjet 14" x 21"

I just want to thank Harding High School's Hmong Club for featuring my artwork in their Asian Heritage Month this past May! They wanted to raise awareness about the Hmong's participation in the Secret War during the Vietnam War - just like my mission with the Hmong Top Secret artwork - and they've done a wonderful job! 

Thank you Hmong Club + board members for continuing to educate others about the Hmong and their mission.

A bright future starts with brilliant young minds!

XO

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Before & After

It's amazing to see your draft and ideas come true. What started as a simple drawing in my sketchbook soon became a finished artwork I passed out to more than a hundred individuals. 

Thanks for all your love & support. 

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Before and After #2

Revisiting site #2 has Hmong Top Secret completely covered. Seeing this makes me think of a grand ancient site that has been buried - by dirt, by history, by people... 

With a little digging, you can find a treasure underneath.

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how can we begin this!?

I’m not sure if I’m really understanding this question correctly, but if you’re referring to how to contribute/participate in exposing Hmong Top Secret, you can…[ + ] Tell a story about your experience as a Hmong American, family history with the Vietnam (Secret) War, or your experience with other Hmong Americans[ + ] Place the sticker wherever you like: —— You can choose to expose the “secret” (Hmong helping CIA during the Vietnam War) by posting it at a place where people can see it: wall, bulletin board, your planner - you’ll be creating awareness & educating everyone (who sees it) about the Hmong (great job!) —— If you’re feeling like a street artist and want to post it on the street, just remember to avoid sticking stickers on mail boxes - that’s government property, a big no-no.—— Or you can put it in your journal, diary, bedroom: keep your secrets safe. —— Feel free to submit a photo in the submission box :)[ + ] Thanks :)- Scenic

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Before & After #1

Revisiting site #1: In the Before photograph (top), this was one of my very first postings of Hmong Top Secret on campus. Weeks later, I found my lone post trampled with staples and layers of repetitive advertisement. I had to prick the staples away just to get to my post (bottom photo). Are the Hmong going to be pushed back in {American} history - and maybe forgotten - just like this? Are we going to have to vigorously dig just to find our roots in the future?

Please preserve our culture - let's keep on persisting.

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Hmong Top Secret is on the wall along with my other work, The Journey in the CLA President's Emerging Scholars Program at the University of Minnesota, Appleby Hall Rm 2.

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Awesome people wore my sticker on the back of their shirts! :)

Thanks for all the support!

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Scenic Girl of the Mekong River, Spring 2014 Laser cut, linoleum print 6x4"

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#hmongtopsecret found in Snelling and University. (at Saint Paul Midway)

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Awesome submission, I can't wait to travel down University and check it out myself!

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For all who enter

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The War Next Door

Location: U of M campus, West Bank

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I hope this is okay :D "Place it between the pages of your diary." I hope my journal (sort of like a diary) works also

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Scenic Patriotic, Spring 2014 Acrylic ink, screenprint 4x6"

Resembling the United States flag, Patriotic tells the story of the Secret War, where the Hmong families residing in Laos aided the U.S CIA during the Vietnam War. When the U.S pulled out, the Hmong had to flee across the country, hiding in the thick jungles, dodge flying bullets, swim through the Mekong River, live in Thailand's refugee camps, and fly to America to be known as the refugees from the Vietnam War.

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Scenic Agent Orange, Spring 2014 Acrylic ink, screenprint 4x6"

This is Agent Orange, named after the toxic chemical used  by the U.S. military to spray over Vietnam's forests and vegetation. With human contact, it led to numerous tumors, cancers, rashes, and birth-defects.

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Scenic Hmong Top Secret, Spring 2014 Acrylic ink, screenprint 4x6"

Sketched, assembled in photoshop, printed on transparencies, screenprinted.