Austin-based artist and designer Ngan Hoang brings her deeply personal and expressive work to the forefront in exploring the stories of trauma survivors and their healing journeys. This powerful exhibit invites visitors to reflect, connect, and contribute to an interactive installation of survival stories.
As a Vietnamese immigrant-refugee, Ngan’s work is rooted in themes of personal, intergenerational, and collective trauma, using abstract and neo-expressionist techniques to transform pain into resilience. Her intuitive process allows found objects and sentimental materials to take on new meaning, creating layered compositions that speak to identity, belonging, and emotional restoration.
Ngan reflects on her family’s unimaginable stories of coming to America. She considers her immigrant parents in the design of this exhibition, and is excited to create an inclusive space that reflects and honors the immense support she has received during her own experiences as a survivor.
Featured artworks and poetry by local Austin artists Vanessa Cao, SJ Carl, L.Rhae, and Kristin Michelle will also be on display, sharing their own individual stories of survival and resilience.
Contact Something Cool Studios or reach out to Ngan directly to schedule your visit while it’s on view between March 1 – 31, 2025.
BOOK YOUR VISIT
⚠️ SENSITIVE CONTENT WARNING ⚠️
This exhibition contains adult material that may be challenging for younger visitors and may be disturbing or negatively activating for other visitors. Please exercise judgement in deciding whether to enter the gallery or bring others into this space. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Something Cool Studios.
Join us for a moderated AMA-style panel discussion with the exhibiting artists to discuss their artwork, the group show themes, and more. Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be served.
Date: Thursdsay, March 20th, 2025
Time: 7:00pm (doors open at 6pm)
Location: Something Cool Studios — 1717 E Cesar Chavez St
Costs: Free with RSVP
Street parking available on Chalmers Ave & E Cesar Chavez St.
Celebrate opening night of S-SENSE with live art and musical performance. Free snacks and refreshments will be served. Can't make it to opening night? Contact Something Cool Studios or reach out to Ngan directly to schedule your visit while it’s on view during March.
Cast Iron Shoes performing original songs with live painting by Ngan Hoang. ASL musical interpretation provided by Stardust ASL. If you missed it, you're in luck — you can watch the live performance on YouTube because we recorded it!
Date: Saturday, March 1st, 2025
Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: Something Cool Studios – 1717 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Costs: FREE with RSVP