Phương Nguyễn
porcelain like flesh and skin, flesh and skin like porcelain
14 January – 14 March 2026
Exhibition
Exhibition Statement [pdf]
Learn more about the exhibition here
Oxygen Art Centre is delighted to present the solo exhibition porcelain like flesh and skin, flesh and skin like porcelain by Tkaronto-based artist Phuong Nguyen from January 14, 2026, to March 14, 2026.
The exhibition features a series of oil paintings that explore Ornamentalist ideologies of femininity through representational still lifes, each framed with ornate wood-carved, ceramic, and woven adornments.
The exhibition title, porcelain like flesh and skin, flesh and skin like porcelain, is intentionally doubled. It refers to the “undead” or a living yet dead person alongside stereotypes associated with porcelain concerning East Asian identities and feminine beauty. The artist is interested in troubling these stereotypes through material juxtaposition and the use of traditional techniques and art historical references, specifically chinoiserie, the European interpretation and mimicry of East Asian art and culture, predominantly in the eighteenth century.
The public are invited to view the exhibition Wednesdays to Saturdays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm during the exhibition run. Admission is free. Please contact info@oxygenartcentre.org if you would like to make an appointment for your visit.
Oxygen Art Centre is an artist-run centre located at #3-320 Vernon Street along the alleyway behind Baker Street. The Canada Council for the Arts, the BC Arts Council, the Vancouver Foundation, and the Regional District of Central Kootenay ReDi program generously support this program. Special thank you to Gallery Preparator Kenton Doupe for their support.
image: Planche CXCV V5, Phuong Nguyen, oil on panel, cellulose twine, reclaimed clay, 2025; Courtesy the Artist