I attended Martin Lam Nguyen’s exhibition of art in the Fine Arts Building. His show Drawing/Painting TIME(using portraits) was very intriguing. Upon first entering I wouldn’t have thought of the message he was trying to perceive through the art he had created. Although it was very different, after pondering the display I realized the message he was trying to convey.
He explained that his large scale work of drawing and various painted media are “site specific installations” designed and strategically used to capture the viewers attention. The many portraits are designed to provide a contemplative space and medium for viewers to examine people’s life’s. To take a different point of view, to physically see their expressions and struggle in order to take a different perspective on life. He explained that the art was designed to help a viewer examine people and life events past that are still alive in ones memory.
Born in Japan Nguyen was heavily influenced by Japanese drawings and cartoons. Oftentimes his line drawings are similar to those seen in old time Japanese cartoons. While observing his art I did notice an Asian affluence in his line work and the characters themselves. His art was very eye catching. The design looked like just rows of faces, perfectly aligned vertically and horizontally. To make it easier to be seem and displayed.
