FLOWER OF LIFE (2023)
Dead oak tree, stainless steel
H1800cm x Φ900cm
An interactive installation by Tia-Thuy Nguyen
Energy – the inspiration
In the 18th century there was a great leap in Energy Science, the leap of the Law of Conservation of Energy: 'All energy is neither created nor destroyed, it is only transformed from form to another'. Interestingly, this theory has been stated in the same way that the Buddha, two thousand years ago, preached about 'Impermanence', about 'Beginning' (unnaturally born) and 'Endless' (unnatural ending). Throughout the universe, the total energy remains constant. One cannot create more energy, but only transform it.
Realizing this interesting similarity between Science and Buddhism, artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen wanted to develop her work 'Flower of Life' around the 'reuse' of an object (here is a dead tree), giving it a new ability, a new life through the act of reconstructing that object.
Flower of Life - An interactive Installation by Tia-Thuy Nguyen
Sunlight – manipulator or playmate?
The journey of creating a series of installations 'playing with the sunlight' started in 2016 with her artwork named 'Silver Room' (2016-2019), by creating a small gap between two blocks of solid rock, viewers have to be patient, waiting for the sunlight to pass through. Tia says that the light in Aix-en-Provence was a miracle in itself. She is just the connection between the natural light, the artwork and the viewer.
'Flower of Life', after being put on a new look, is resettled at the same spot where it once lived a verdant, shiny past life. The oak tree remained still, but it was no longer indifferent to every movement around it. A gust of wind that shakes the branches and leaves also makes them reflect; a ray of sunshine on time will make the tree glow; at night, a car light coming on will also make it 'on' back immediately. The life and energy of the 'Flower of Life' is not only in itself, but also in its connection with the world around. Waiting for this interaction to happen makes us feel like a 'hunter' waiting to trap a wild animal, or a hide and seek player waiting for someone to call his or her name.
Life of Flower
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The accompanying exhibition to ‘Flower of Life’
The accompanying exhibition will feature derivative works from the main artwork ‘Flower of Life’, including reliefs, double-sided paintings that were embroided from stainless steel yarns and not to mention oil paintings. Even these artworks are derivated, they still retain the same story of energy and the play with sunlight from the main artwork, only they are expressed through different mediums. Instead of a fixed work, these artworks are now movable and more lively.
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People will be able to see handmade paintings from stainless steel fibers and especially it can be watched in both sides, demonstrating the cycle and rotation of energy. This handmade technique comes from her 12-years experience in practicing fashion as well as her exhibition ‘Floating in the Nothingness’ in 2022. Moreover, talking about oil paintings on the theme of clouds which will also be exhibited, these have followed the concept and technique that I have practiced for years. Above all, my artworks will never be completed without mother nature’s contribution - sunlight, to become whole.
