An academic administrator on the joy of making art and being there for other artists
Photo: Alonso Nichols
I became captivated in high school by the ability of sea creatures—octopus, cuttlefish—to transform their bodies and hide as a means of survival. That phenomenon of physical change as camouflage resonated deeply with me as an artist. It’s a metaphor for the need I felt to hide my sexuality, as a queer Asian man who endured significant racism within the gay community.
In my current artwork, I laser-cut stencils with the text of my poetry about my struggles with depression, self-hatred, and anxiety. Then, I spray-paint the poems onto walls using paint that’s only visible in UV light. So, initially, when viewers enter my spaces, they look entirely empty. Viewers are offered UV flashlights so they can discover as much or as little—hidden in plain sight—the stories and experiences on these deceptively blank walls. So many of us present a certain way, putting on a brave face, when, often, there is much more under the surface.
In art school, we’re encouraged to be around our work, so we learn how to engage with potential curators or gallerists. When I was starting out, I didn’t want to be near my art during receptions; I was so nervous exposing such a big part of myself. But over time, viewers have shared with me that they value my openness and vulnerability and can relate to aspects of my experience. That’s been humbling and affirming.
In my work here at the SMFA, my favorite thing is visiting the studios, chatting with students about what they’re creating and problem-solving with them as needed. I find joy in helping our artists develop their ideas. My goal is to be the most compassionate person I can, to make our office a space where students can share what they are facing. I know what it’s like to feel as if you have to hide your burdens, and I never want our students to feel that way.
—Kenson Truong, AG18 (MFA), associate director of graduate programs, School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts
Our Tufts is a series of personal stories shared by members of the Tufts community and featured on both Tufts Now and Instagram.
