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The title of Michelle Nguyen's show refers to the mythological figure Proteus, a god capable of assuming many forms. From his shapeshifting abilities comes the adjective “Protean”, meaning "mutable" or "versatile", which has positive connotations of flexibility and adaptability.
The concept of shapeshifting is central to Nguyen’s production. This collection of works investigates how change pervades every sphere of our existence, with each artwork touching upon a specific area: from the ambivalent nature of grief, to the evolution of cultural beliefs, through the study of morphing creatures, both mystical and natural, to the constant transformation of our own identity.
Rejecting the notion of static, monolithic reality, Nguyen believes that all things, visible, palpable, and abstract, are connected to each other and as such mutation and metamorphosis are profoundly human experiences.
The artist’s aim is to encourage a dialogue around human mortality, in the belief that there is restorative value in holding space for mourning.
If we are to understand that grief is not static, but a continuous and ever-changing process that accompanies our daily life, we can better appreciate Nguyen’s idea that humans encounter death in a variety of different contexts.
