Nyob Ua Ke (Together) by Terry Thao
Mai Yang
Artist: Terry Thao
Title: Nyob Ua Ke (Together), 2025
Medium: Digital Illustration
Nyob Ua Ke captures the essence of renewal, of rising and finding a place to call home. It reflects new beginnings, like seeds breaking through the soil to greet the light. I am drawn to the cycles of growth, the quiet strength in the earth, the gentle reach of flowers toward the sky, and the resilience of life unfolding again. This piece embodies the feeling of settling into a new world, of planting oneself in unfamiliar ground and discovering the beauty of connection and belonging.
Terry Thao
Terry Thao is a digital artist based in California’s Central Valley whose work explores themes of identity, culture, and memory. Drawing inspiration from their Hmong heritage, Terry creates illustrations that blend everyday moments with elements of folklore and symbolism, inviting viewers to engage with stories both personal and collective. Using digital media as their primary tool, Terry aims to use visual storytelling to honor ancestral histories while addressing themes of belonging, resilience, and cultural continuity. Terry’s work is characterized by a style that is both grounded and imaginative—a gentle mix of realism and metaphor that encourages reflection and connection. With each piece, they seek to create moments where viewers can pause, look closer, and discover the deeper narratives woven into the fabric of everyday life.