Kao Lee Thao

2020 Early-Career Project Grantee | $8,000

Illuminated Folktale

Kao Lee Thao will create Illuminated Folktale, an oversized lantern installation with projected Hmong folktales animated on the surface, presented at the Little Mekong Night Market. This Lub Teeb (lantern) will light up the night and display visual representations of Hmong folktales, customarily an oral tradition.

Kao Lee Thao is a visual artist and 3d animator whose work is inspired by dreams, culture, and personal experiences. Her visual style is infused with an expressively fluid style that allows viewers to travel into the past and see the echo of themes and patterns from the past. With every stroke she leaves behind a window into her soul sparking inspiration in others.

Forecast has been offering early-career artist grants supported by Jerome Foundation since 1989. In addition to funding, Forecast is dedicated to providing professional development and learning opportunities designed to assist emerging artists as they experiment/ hone their practices, and cultivate careers in the field. Forecast mid- and early-career grants are designed to support independent projects, leadership development, professional development, risk-taking, multidisciplinary approaches, and collaborative problem-solving in the field of public art.