I Am Thai and You Are Vietnamese
Bus Projects
16 July - 23 August 2025
I Am Thai and You Are Vietnamese considers what it means to be “authentic” to a cultural identity and how the Western perceptions placed upon individuals might alter the way they represent themselves. Nguyen and Ongwat invite viewers to enter the gallery space with their chakras aligned and an open mind to spiritual possibilities.
In collaboration with Panisa Ongwat.
Theoretical Temple
Melissa Nguyen and Panisa Ongwat.
2025.
Vinyl, cellophane, velour, LED candles, lanterns, electric candles, porcelain vase, painters tape, sand, Mansome bottle, incense, Buddha statues, monk statues, gong, concrete Yin Yang wheel, porcelain dish, oranges, bananas, apples, wooden prayer hands, decorative fabric banner, wooden foo dogs, National Geographic magazine, Kyle McIntyre.
Dimensions variable.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Installation view.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Detail of Theoretical Temple.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Detail of Theoretical Temple.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Detail of Theoretical Temple.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Installation view.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Installation view.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Installation view.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
The Artist's Mother?
2025.
Inkjet print transfer via ‘Gardenia’ by Zara on silk.
188 x 114 cm.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
The Artist's Mother?
2025.
Inkjet print transfer via ‘Gardenia’ by Zara on silk.
188 x 114 cm.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Detail of Theoretical Temple.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Installation view.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Comet
2016 – 2025.
Watercolour on paper, foam board, pine shelf, sand, salt dough, ribbon, glass vase, dog fur, incense, incense holder, wooden dish, apple, dog spirit.
Dimensions variable.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Detail of Theoretical Temple.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
No Buddhas On The Ground
2025.
Rabbit skin glue on canvas.
162 x 114 cm.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Installation view.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.
Detail of Theoretical Temple.
Documentation by Panisa Ongwat.