Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Harrison County Campus Fine Arts Gallery is proud to present “My Little World,” a solo exhibit featuring the works of 2023 MGCCC graduate Lisa Tran. The exhibit, which runs from September 16 to October 25, 2024, explores Tran’s connection to Asian culture and nature in a whimsical, dreamlike world.

“I’m so excited to have Lisa return for this solo exhibition,” said 2-D arts instructor and gallery director Cecily Cummings. “Her unique style became well known during her time here, and her paintings were a source of inspiration for both students and faculty.”

Tran’s artwork reflects themes of daydreaming, childhood memories, and healing, using elements from her Vietnamese heritage such as traditional dresses, koi ponds, and lotus flowers. Her signature style, which blends fantasy with a sense of loneliness, often depicts vibrant, fairytale-like scenes with deeper emotional undertones.

“I want to give off the feeling of being stuck in your own little world,” Tran explained. “I try to cover up negative emotion with bright colors and whimsical women, giving an aspect of hidden emotion behind a colorful, child-like mask.”

One of the featured works, “Broken Heart,” illustrates the healing process through a handmade canvas. The central figure attempts to mend herself with embroidery, while a skeleton, representing guilt, weighs her down and prevents full healing.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Harrison County Campus Fine Arts Gallery is located at 2226 Switzer Rd., Gulfport, in Building D. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.