Hung Viet Nguyen "Sacred Matter" Matter Studio Gallery Los Angeles, California

A stunning display of intricate landscapes reveal paintings that take on a life of their own, as Hung Viet Nguyen stands at the doorway to his solo exhibition at Matter Studio Gallery inviting you into his realm of colorful reality. Having first seen an exhibit of Nguyen's work in 2008, I have documented some of his exhibits on the Fine Art Trekking Series of blogs http://finearttrekkintorrance.blogspot.com/2010/12/studio-visit-with-hung-viet-nguyen.html and have witnessed his career blossom into a specatucular array of colorful expressions depicting not only the love and respect of the painting profession but clearly demonstrating the love and honor of his family through his portraits as well. Now, seeing his new work, I find there are detailed hidden messages revealed within the painting themselves. Words can be seen secretly weaved into his sacred landscapes such as the passing of a beloved, and always, his own distinctive signature weaved into discreet corners of his canvas. Hung Vient Nguyen's love of painting is indeed Sacred, as it exudes a meditative practive of constantly making marks on the canvas as intricate detail, yet keeping an eye on the bigger picture that emerges of the landscape. Of my favorite details within his paintings, I have taken note that there are now flowers filling his marvelous canvases, both large and small. Whereas the original works had dry landscapes, while California suffered years of drought, there now appear new flowers, blossoms and blooms that cascade against the backdrop of creeks, valley waterfulls and wondrous caverns that appear like active volcanos if not yet ready to erupt, certainly ominous in the colorful layers of oil paint he uses to portray his subjects. Hung Viet Nguyen is a talented painter to keep an eye on because his own career has begun to bloom. Hung Viet Nguyen lives in Torrance, California and originated from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. His artwork my be accessed through hung4art.com Contact: ~Gallery Director:: Karla Funderburk MATTER STUDIO GALLERY 5080 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

karla@matterstudiogallery.com matterstudiogallery.com