Kenny Nguyen: Chạm: Mapping Identity

Vietnamese-American artist Kenny Nguyen embarks on a personal journey through his new exhibition Chạm: Mapping Identity.

Nguyen recently returned to Vietnam for the first time since moving to the United States over a decade ago. He became acutely aware of the changes that had unfolded in his absence – the rapid pace of globalization, development, and corresponding cultural shifts had left an indelible mark on the societal fabric of his homeland. Nguyen's new body of work seeks to capture the nuanced challenges he encountered while reclaiming his transformed cultural roots.

“Chạm” translates from Vietnamese to mean “touch,” “engrave,” and “encounter.” The exhibition creates a space where viewers interact with the intangible, embody the essence of memory, and view the power of metamorphosis. Through embracing change, we can forge a deeper connection with our roots, and ultimately, find a renewed sense of self in an ever-changing world.