The first public exhibition in the U.S. of Tiao Nitthavong Somsanith's exclusive works of arts was hosted by the Lao Heritage Foundation at the Strathmore Mension, North Bethesda, Maryland, on June 16, 2005.
Tiao Somsanith is an internationally known embroidery artist. In the last 10 years, he has exhibited his works in Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands. the Laotian prince is known for his extraordinary embroidered costumes and ceremonial garments of the Royal Court of Louang Prabang, Laos, and his unique style of painting, using Chinese ink on Sa paper. Tiao Somsanith loves to explore new media and to try to create a new venue for Lao artists to appreciate and use Laos' own traditional handmade "Sa" paper for painting.
Currently, Prince Somsanith resides in Orleans, France. In addition to his Fine Arts degree, he also holds a degree in Psychology. He is one of a few embroiderers that still do this type of arts. And that's a reason for him to try to preserve this ancient tradition of gold thread embroidery of Laos and pass on to younger generations.
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