'Burdening Dream' in Monaco conveys deep emotions of Tia-Thuy Nguyen

The exhibition, which runs from Dec. 10, 2024, to March 1, 2025, offers a profound exploration of the artist's inner world.

Tia-Thuy Nguyen (front row, 3rd from L), with other guests, on the opening day of the exhibition. Photo courtesy of Tia

The artworks in "Burdening Dream" reveal Nguyen's deep reflections and creative resilience. This new collection incorporates tiny human figures set within layers of clouds, symbolizing the tension between the pursuit of freedom and the weight of expectations. These clouds, though seemingly light, carry a metaphorical heaviness, embodying the contradictions of her artistic journey.

The exhibition serves as a mantra for perseverance, reminding audiences that even after storms, the sky can shine again. Through her dreamlike depictions, Nguyen invites viewers to experience both the fragility and strength that shape her work.

The "Burdening Dream" collection, comprising 18 pieces (16 paintings and two sculptures), is displayed across two rooms at the Almine Rech Monaco gallery. The opening event drew notable attendees, including Prince Albert II, U2 singer and artist Bono, painter Guggi, businessman Patrice from Mareterra, and Monaco's former Prime Minister. The gathering celebrated Nguyen's contributions to Monaco's cultural landscape, including her permanent installation dedicated to the principality.

"Off on a journey" work of art. Photo courtesy of Tia-Thuy Nguyen

Before unveiling "Burdening Dream", Nguyen's works such as "Drops of the Sun"—a permanent installation at Mareterra—and "Lady Cloud", a collaborative sculpture with Christian Dior Couture, received acclaim. These earlier projects highlight her ability to merge artistry with emotion and innovation.

Nguyen's latest collection captures the sky in its infinite variety. Romantic pink clouds, soft mist, and vivid colors evoke fleeting moments of beauty. The artist's use of hues—from the lush green of the land after rain to the fiery brilliance of a sunset—draws viewers into a universe where light and shadow create mesmerizing scenes.

"Sculpture" work of art. Photo courtesy of Tia

Among her works, pieces like "Breakthrough of the feeling", "In the middle of nowhere", "Just own the night", and "Tension so intense" reflect her personal struggles and introspection.

"Perhaps I've forced myself to become what I aspire to be without realizing that I'm the one burdening this dream? Or maybe my dream of the clouds is weighing so heavily that it cannot be moved," Nguyen shared.

For this collection, she incorporates glass as a material for the first time. Using shards of glass bottles instead of her usual quartz stones, she creates dynamic contrasts and challenges herself to shape delicate, cloud-like forms. Despite the material's rigidity and potential for injury, the result is a striking addition to her creative repertoire.

"Burdening Dream" exhibition space. Photo courtesy of Tia-Thuy Nguyen

Her expertise in traditional techniques such as paper crafting, embellishment, and watercolor painting is evident throughout the collection. The role of light is particularly significant—it interacts with the artworks, casting shimmering reflections and adding a sense of movement to the clouds.

Through "Burdening Dream", Nguyen continues to inspire and captivate, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in her introspective and visually stunning world.