Vilaykorn Sayaphet was born in Laos and emigrated to the United States in 1982. He grew up where his family settled, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was quickly and heavily influenced by American culture, but at home was taught very traditional Laotian values; as a result, Vil was conflicted, leading two separate lives. He developed a kind of split in his personality, a way to accommodate his parents and yet to also adapt to the new culture around him. His experiences from those early years gave way to his artistic visions. Art was a way to reflect on his past while looking into the future. Vil pursued the formal study of art at High Point University, where he received a BFA, and later obtained an MFA at UNC Greesnboro. He continues to be influenced by all aspects of art, from the street to conceptual and fine art.

For his first solo exhibition, “Split Personality,” Vilaykorn embraces a painterly vision, while also showing his more playful and illustrative side. In this split series, one half draws towards the abstract/ impressionist influence. These pieces, painted with feeling and emotion, are his more serious and steadfast works. In the other half of the series, he draws from life as an observer, working his day job and finding some artistic escape whenever he can. The combination of the two styles provides a unique look into the mind of an artist as he makes his way through life…

Please join us at Pandemic Gallery on Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 7-11pm for the OPENING RECEPTION of “Split Personality,” sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Established in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2009, Pandemic is an artist-run space dedicated to showing work from up-and-coming, unknown, and well-established talent alike. Embracing (but not confined to) urban street art, Pandemic is attracted to artists who think outside the confines of conventional normalcy—artists whose fresh concepts and unique visions inspire a broad audience. Pandemic is open daily from 11am to 6pm, and is accessible via the L and J subways and the Q59 bus.