(b. Ben Tre, Vietnam, 1977)
Education
Doctor of Medicine / Ross University School of Medicine
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting / Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Influences
My current work consists of abstracted landscapes that link the actions of human nature (consumption, waste, encroachment) to the natural world. As a Vietnamese American artist, I emphasize cultural identity as a connection to my past. This connection allows me to personally address socioeconomics, the environment, and identity. With my background, I work with an investigative mind. During this period, repetition has been an important contributor. The repetitive motion of small marks within a confined space becomes patterns that embody a sort of meditative quality. The summation of these patterns reflect movement and the transient quality of change. It references the environment and my observations of the elements that make up physical and non-physical spaces. There is a sense of randomness dispersed among an organized matrix that relates to topographic maps in their description and quantification of boundaries, elevations, and depressions. To me, drawing and painting are inseparable. I use them interchangeably to achieve a certain level of spontaneity. Inevitably my early influences came from traditional Asian art, particularly landscape paintings and their poetic connection to nature. Experimenting with different ways to apply medium onto the work surface pushes the exploration of geometry, movement, and colors.
Biography
Vu Quoc Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American artist currently working in Central Pennsylvania. He holds a BFA in painting, as well as Doctor of Medicine from Pennsylvania College of Art and Ross University School of Medicine respectively. His works progressed and evolved over the years in a multitude of disciplines including painting, drawing, photography, and installations. Beneath a constant craving for experimentation, an awareness of the environment and culture has always been the basis of his work. At first glance, the chaotic nature of his compositions compels viewers towards closer inspection. As layers of interrupted lines and clusters of marks materialize, patterns and contours of landscapes reinvent themselves. These abstracted landscapes are inspired by his travels in Southeast Asia. They examine the impact of climate change on the region’s culture and socioeconomics. As an observer, Nguyen’s work interprets the effects of humans on the environment. He believes that awareness of environmental issues such as climate change can be a first step towards making changes that will sustain future generations. Nguyen’s works can be seen in public and private collections throughout the US and abroad.
Exhibition & Collections
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Touching Earth / Artspace Richmond / Richmond, VA 2020
Meridian // solo exhibition/ Foundry Gallery Washington DC 2019
Here & Elsewhere // Foundry Gallery 2018
Tropical Wasteland // Susquehanna Art Museum PA 2017
Expanding Skies // Solo exhibition Neptune Gallery Grand Rapids MI 2010
Howard Council for the Arts // Solo exhibition Vu Nguyen Ellicott City MD 2012
Elevation // Solo exhibition Lord Fairfax Community College Middletown VA 2011
Preparing the Innocent // Solo exhibition Depaul Gallery Lancaster PA 2010
Retrace // Solo exhibition Doshi Gallery for Contemporary Art PA 2010
Walls and Conversations Solo exhibition // Gallery Vietnam New York NY 2006
SELECTED GROUPS AND PROJECTS
The Other Art Fair - Brooklyn NY
Explore Conceptual Art, Susquehanna Art Museum PA
AC Hotels Buckhead Atlanta, GA
CBS [The Good Wife] Season 2
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: Harrisburg PA
Artist Haven Fine Art Gallery: Fort Lauderdale FL
Torpedo Factory Art Center: Alexandria VA
Trowbridge Lewis Gallery: Middleburg VA
Clark County Historical Association
Gallery West Alexandria, VA
Fielding Lecht Gallery Austin TX
York Arts York PA
Lancaster Museum of Art
The Human Form: Mantis Collective Harrisburg PA
VanGo at Susquehanna Art Museum Harrisburg PA
Bronx School of Science: New York NY
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Lancaster PA
Publications & Media
Modern Love
Hill Rag Magazine: Artist Profile and Exhibition highlights 2018 // Read more…
CBS [The Good Wife]
Press Release CBS art collections: Read more…
Artist Haven 2010 Fine Art Painting Competition
Studio Visit Magazine Volume 2
Intelligencer Journal: DePaul Gallery exhibition
Collage Magazine: Artist on the Horizon
Art Matters Magazine