Chi L. Nguyễn
(Nguyễn Linh Chi, b. 1992)
Visual artist from Hanoi, Vietnam
My works explore liminal space and states between contradictions, and how conflicting forces co-exist and interact with each other, often between nature, human and more-than-human beings. Amongst those, a focal topic is to question the interrelation of human and aquatic environments, through historical, socio-political, environmental, spiritual and technological lenses.
Concomitantly, a recurring set of materials in my works has been the reflective and translucent, particularly of mirror and glass. With their inherent reflective surfaces often suggestive of waterscapes, they also imbue paradoxical notions - coexistent with real space yet impenetrable and illusionistic, possessing a distinctive dynamic between their frontal and reversed sides.
Initially inspired by the disappearing craft of reverse glass and mirror painting in Vietnam, these paradoxes stemming from both materials and topics are what motivated me to constantly investigate the way mirrors and glass blur the lines between two-dimensionality and three-dimensionality, create immersive environments, constructing unsettling states of the in-between, of contradictions. It is the way they emphasize complex relations between self and others, the interior and the exterior, human and nature, as well as strongly remind of the interdependence of perception, representation and power structures.
Since starting out in 2019, my practice has spanned drawing, sculpture, installation, as well as interdisciplinary and research-based projects.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Chi L. Nguyễn
Visual artist / b. 1992 / Hanoi, Vietnam
chilnguyen.studio@gmail.com / www.chilnguyen.com
EDUCATION
2010 - 2013
BA(Hons) Illustration
Camberwell College of Arts - University of the Arts London / UK
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024
Seeing Double. Galerie Archiv Massiv / Leipzig / Germany
2023
Assemblage: me, my story & I. Dogma Prize 2023. 27A / Ho Chi Minh City / Vietnam
2022
Nổ Cái Bùm Contemporary Art Week / Da Lat / Vietnam
2021
Dreaming about Landscapes. Mơ Art Space / Hanoi / Vietnam
Citizen Earth. Museum of Biology - University of Science / Hanoi / Vietnam
2019
Beyond Destruction. Vicas Gallery / Hanoi / Vietnam
PERFORMANCES
2022
The Room 2. VCCA Vincom Center for Contemporary Arts / Hanoi
The Room 1. Goethe-Institut Hanoi / Hanoi
AWARDS & OTHERS
2023
Dogma Prize
2023
Shortlisted CAREC Cultural and Artistic Responses to Environmental Change Mentorship Award.
Prince Claus Fund & Goethe-Institut
2021
Ignite Creativity Grant. Goethe-Institut Hanoi
2019
Das Mädchen K Picture Shorts Award. Goethe-Institut Hanoi
RESIDENCIES
2024
‘Ecologies of Water’ exchange program. LIA Leipzig International Art Program / Leipzig / Germany
2023
live.make.share international residency / Hiên Vân / Vietnam
2022
Sàn Art Studio. Sàn Art / Ho Chi Minh City / Vietnam
2019
MAP Month of Art Practice. Heritage Space / Hanoi / Vietnam
The Forest Curriculum program / Bangkok / Thailand
