Ben Nguyen

Ben Nguyen is both a prolific maker of art and restaurateur of Hai Au Lang Nuong in Canley Vale. Ben has been a maker since childhood. Initially from necessity to create his own toys as a child in Vietnam and now to express his take on philosophy and culture. His studio (aka Man Cave) is discretely situated amongst diners in his restaurant. This is where his creative offerings are overwhelmingly suspended, hung and placed throughout. On closer inspection motifs emerge. This includes meditative modes of making such as origami and paper sculptures. Ben explains that making with fragile material like paper requires softness and mindfulness, a counterpoint to the stress of running a restaurant. Ben also creates sculptures by encrusting glass marbles over found objects such as sneakers and figurines. The use of marbles connects Ben to his childhood and enables him to maintain a playfulness that he believes is essential to creativity. Ben notes that it is the children that see his work that are the most curious and insightful. Ben also employs popular culture such as Star Wars characters in amongst references to Buddhism in his compositions. On asking which one of the hundreds of pieces on display is his favourite?  Ben explains that this question is a bit like asking who your favourite child is. Instead, he views his work as a collective that builds an environment. A form of regeneration of Vietnamese culture interpreted through his adopted homeland for everyone to enjoy.

For more on Ben Nguyen, here is an interview produced by ABC Arts.