Tommy Nguyen, “Me PLUSH You Long Time,” January 23 – March 6, 2015

Exhibition Catalog, Tommy Nguyen, Me PLUSH You Long Time

Nguyen’s soft-sculpture environments invite willing participants into the magical world of PLUSH. Because much of the installation is also wearable, PLUSH allows viewers to transform their body and shift their identity. It is costume, armor, functional weapon, and most importantly, enabler. He embraces the dynamic powers of color, line, and pattern while challenging conventional notions of sculpture and costume, fine art and craft. Throughout the exhibition, Nguyen will collaborate with individuals and organizations to conduct performances on and off site while continually incorporating performance documentation into the exhibition space. Nguyen invites the viewer to wear PLUSH in whatever way one chooses and to maybe lose one’s inhibitions and rediscover those moments in which we were simply becoming.

Tommy Nguyen is currently completing his MFA in Art/Emerging Practices at SUNY at Buffalo.He also earned a BA with Distinction from the Visual Studies program at SUNY at Buffalo. Me PLUSH You Long Time is a pilot exhibition for BAS’s new Project Space Initiative. Originally conceived by Interim Curator Sara Zak, the Project Space Initative will feature dynamic exhibitions and performances that highlight the process of art making.

Colin Dabkowski, “Nguyen’s work is tied up with ideas about interactivity and creating community through art,” Buffalo News, February 3rd, 2015.

Learn more about the artist at http://www.tommynguyen.info/

Major Exhibition Support:
Double Tree Club Hotel by Hilton Buffalo Downtown
Erie County Cultural Funding
M&T Bank
NYSCA Visual Arts Program

Additional Support:
Ashker’s Juice Bar
North American Breweries
City of Buffalo
Gates Circle Wine & Liquor
Individual Donors