From January 6-15th, French street art takes residency in Vientiane as the French Institute (Institut Francais du Laos) hosts  “Art42, Hors Les Murs // Extramural : Vientiane”. The installation is organized by Lao French curator, Alisa Phommahaxay, who’s based in Paris. We briefly chat with Alisa about her work, how art inspires her and her upcoming exhibit.

Tell us about yourself. How was it growing up?

I was born in Paris, after my studies in Visual Arts at the Sorbonne University, I went to London and lived there for 5 years to work as a curator. Before coming back to Paris (Sept 2015) I went to Vientiane for 4 months, I was fortunate to give some courses and do an exhibition at the National Institute of Fine Arts under “Introduction to Contemporary Art”. I’ve been back to Paris for a year and half now.

My parents are both from Laos. My mother is from Luang Prabang and my father is from Vientiane. It is an important factor for why I’m doing all this art projects in Laos. Because I’d like to do something that I think could be valuable for my country.

How did you get interested in art? What inspired you while growing up? 

I’ve been interested in art since high school. My first art piece which made a big impression to me is “Roue de bicyclette’ by Marcel Duchamp (1913), because it was the first time I understood that art is not only dexterity but concept/idea. Plus, I always thought that art piece is ‘aerial’. I really like installation and video, I also like huge sculptures, art that forces me to think forward.

What should visitors expect to see in the space at Alisa Gallery in Vientiane? What’s the goal of your installation?

In the Vientiane exhibition, you can see the new French street art scene. It will be their art studio work that you can find on the streets as well. My goal with Alisa Gallery is to show the art that questions me and I like to show collaboration between artists from around the world.

 

Do you have advice for others in similar career paths as you?

My only advice will be don’t be scare to show what you like, dare to do it by yourself. Visit art galleries and museums and don’t be shy to ask questions of the artists or gallerists. They will be more than happy to talk with you.

Find Alisa’s exhibition work from London, Paris, Vientiane, Bangkok to Yangon on her website at Alisa Gallery. Check out the upcoming “Art42 Hors Les Murs//Extramural: Vientiane” exhibit opening January 6, 2016 at Instit Francais on Lanexang Avenue in Vientiane, Laos.