Usually one would have to visit an art museum in order to see the beautiful landscapes by Vietnamese-American artist, Christine Nguyen, but drivers traveling through the intersection of San Vicente and Beverly boulevards in West Hollywood get an up-close view of her oversized artwork as part of their daily commute.
Nguyen’s art — inspired by her father’s work as a commercial fisherman — is displayed on the protective fencing surrounding construction at 310 N. San Vicente Blvd., the future home of the Cedars-Sinai Saul & Joyce Brandman Breast Center – a project of the Women’s Guild at Cedars-Sinai. Upon completion of the construction, the artwork will be gifted to Cedars-Sinai and will become part of the medical center’s extensive art collection.
Each photo-based piece of Nguyen’s oversized artwork includes both land and sea, bringing blues and greens to the forefront interspersed with pops of purples and pinks.
“My goal is to create works that are positive and meditative, while also allowing people to reflect on their natural environment and how to best preserve and conserve it,” said Nguyen, who says her father’s work as a commercial fisherman has inspired her art’s connection with the natural world. “I also hope my artwork provides a glimpse of enjoyment during viewers’ chaotic, everyday lives.”
This isn’t the first piece of art Nguyen has shared with Cedars-Sinai. Three of Nguyen’s artworks are in the Cedars-Sinai collection, which is donated by art collectors and artists to help create a healing environment for patients, visitors and staff.
“In a hospital or medical environment, I believe it’s important to have artwork that uplifts and is positive,” said Nguyen.
Cedars-Sinai patients and guests will be able to view Nguyen’s calming yet creative collection beyond its current installment, as the artist has generously gifted it to Cedars-Sinai.
“Christine’s collection is a delicate balance of peaceful but intriguing,” said John T. Lange, curator of Cedars-Sinai’s art collection. “It’s an ideal collection to distract from an unsightly construction site and we’re grateful her work can brighten the intersection. We are looking forward to finding a permanent home for this work once construction is complete.”
Nguyen has exhibited her artwork throughout Los Angeles County, including the Hammer Museum and Long Beach Museum of Art, and her permanent public art projects can be found at Los Angeles International Airport, the Malibu Library and Fire Station 132 in Santa Clarita, among other locations.
