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An exhibition shows for the first time photographs from the photo series "By the Roadside" by Michael Nguyen
michael nguyen
Feb 7, 2022
Michael Nguyen is a flâneur. He seeks encounters with what is worth seeing in detail. His photographs show us buildings, streets, staircases, vehicles, and people of the kind we might come across at any time by chance in our everyday lives.
The pictures confront us with unique views of elements. They focus on the colors and shapes in detail and leave aside the manifold abundance of the surroundings. In this way, they unfold the power of the Particular: Something familiar, but exactly like this we have not seen things before.
Nguyen likes to play with the seduction of the geometric, the regular, the symmetrical. We find this everywhere as evidence of the constructive power of a design-oriented towards the ideal. Perfection is thus assumed, as is the case with the impressively harmonized light and color gradients or surface textures. At the same time, the viewer is placed in an ideal position, from which interest in what is depicted can unfold.
On the other hand, we are stimulated to let our imagination roam based on what is shown. Because in the stylization we find numerous occasions to associate moods and longings. This is particularly the case where people's appearance is detached from movement. The contrast with the extraordinary view of their surroundings plays an important role.
All in all: anyone who gets involved with Michael Nguyen's pictures will experience enrichment.
Prof. Dr. Rainer Funke
Michael Nguyen | bosco Gauting
