Lao Voices

Chantala Kommanivanh is a painter and musician of Lao descent. He was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and now builds a new existence in in the US. He expresses his views of being a refugee in America through  his artwork using mixed media and photo references. In his painting “Refugee Daddy” Chantalism, e.g., utilized his father’s refugee ID card for his painting.  His mixed media approach creates strong and lively images that will stick in your mind.

Of course, most of us know him as group member Chantalism of the talented Maintenance Crew [on Laomusic, Myspace] and he is a well known associate of Kareoke King. Chantalism also set up a personal website that gives a good impression of the versatile work of this Lao artist.

Chantalism is exhibiting until 08/23/08 in allrisegallery, Chicago.