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Seexeng Lee: Art Saved My Life By Malisamai Vue Seexeng Lee is a nationally recognized Hmong artist from the twin cities.
Born in Laos and made the treacherous journey across the Mekong River from Laos to Thailand with his family. Lived his
childhood in Ban Vinai Refugee Camp until he was nine years old and to make it home to the United States. He first breathe
art into his life as a young boy listening to his father tell “dab neeg” to him and his siblings during his childhood
life in the refugee camp. By using the dirt ground as his canvas and wood sticks as his brush, he let his imagination
become the beginning of a journey filled with art. Directing his knowledge, experiences, and cultural energy towards his artwork,
Seexeng has had the opportunity to share a fragment of the Hmong experience with others. Presented with the opportunity
to guest speak at the prestigious Wellesley College in Massachusetts, University of Wisconsin Madison and Milwaukee, along
with local Macalester and Augsburg Colleges, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). His work continues
to preserve the Hmong culture and educate others of the journey of Hmong people. Through his artwork, Seexeng has been
able to share his talents, gain a deeper understanding of his surroundings, expressing his heartfelt connection to the community
and why the Hmong people continue to be a great contribution to ongoing American culture, art, and society. As a cultural
artist, his artwork has been able to restore lost identity. “Art doesn’t have to speak a specific language but once recognized,
can be a beautiful experience,” said Seexeng. You must look beyond its visual multi-layer aesthetic beauty and
feel the hidden stories because that is what makes his art even more meaningful and alluring. The images of Seexeng’s
artwork will seep into your mind and open your heart. “Art is timeless, therapeutic, universal and recognizable
by all; and for those who deeply love art may be experiencing a form of religion,” said Seexeng. Given his experiences,
Seexeng has been able to produce the multi-layer dimensional ardor shown through his artwork.
“Art
gives me a reason to live for, without art my life would be dull and meaningless,” shares Seexeng. By recognizing
and embracing his life experiences; Seexeng is able to put those feelings into discovering his purpose for the love of art.
His journey to date has turned into a positive contribution to our growing community. The contribution does not stop
here; receiving a degree in Studio Art and Secondary Education from Augsburg College, Seexeng has been a part of the Minneapolis
Public School District for the last 14 years. Currently teaching art at his alma mater South High School located in
Minneapolis; sharing, nurturing, and educating with his knowledge and artistic talent to his students.
Most recently Seexeng had the opportunity
to be part of an event hosted by Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together (HWAT) to honor MayKao Hang’s accomplishment
as the new CEO and President of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. MayKao will be the first woman, person of color, and the
first Hmong person to be in this esteemed position since the Wilder Foundation began, 104 years ago. “This particular
painting was purchased by HWAT from Seexeng for MayKao because it honors the strength of Hmong women in carrying our culture
forward and passing down our culture from one generation to the next. Additionally, this piece of art symbolizes how
culture is created by all of us- that we have the power and ability to sew our own lives. HWAT's mission is to be a
catalyst for cultural, institutional, and social change to improve the lives of Hmong women and girls,” said Nou Yang,
board member of HWAT. Please join Seexeng and members of the Lao Family Community of Minnesota at the annual Lao Family Hmong Freedom Celebration
and Sports Tournament in St. Paul to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Hmong people’s arrival to America
and to celebrate General Vang Pao’s 80th birthday. The celebration will include a gift from the Hmong
community along with Seexeng’s art piece ‘Hmong Icon’ made of 24K gold. “We decided to work
with and purchase Seexeng’s work because his art helps preserve the Hmong culture and gives the younger Hmong generation
the ability to appreciate and to be inspired by the Hmong identity,” said Blia Vue, personnel and board member of Lao
Family Community of Minnesota. To experience and appreciate Seexeng’s artwork, you can visit some of the businesses and institutions located
here in the twin cities such as the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia State University, North Point Health and Wellness
Center, Community School of Excellence and the Hmong Cultural Center. Also read Seexeng’s life story published
in Paul Hillmer’s recently released book ‘A People’s History of the Hmong.’ To preview Seexeng’s
work, be a part of his journey and learn more about his future projects, please visit him at www.seexeng.com.
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| Photo by Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together (HWAT) |
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