A Dialogue Between Humanity and Nature Through the Duo Exhibition “Biophilia and Naturalis”

Amid the chaos of modern life and urban development, where humans are in constant, fast motion, nature is an important element to remind ourselves of and return to. In this duo exhibition by Patricia vd Moreen and Devon Nguyen, we find ourselves stepping into another world filled with harmony between humanity and nature.

“Biophilia and Naturalis” features the most recent works by two unique artists. Works of oil paintings and ceramics call to mind living entities glowing in the darkened space and reveal the connection between humanity and nature. While Patricia’s works highlight the concept of Naturalism, Devon’s works speak for the concept of Bipholia, which emphasises the harmony between humans and nature.

Installation view of “Biophilia and Naturalis,” organized by Lotus Gallery at Audi Charging Lounge.

After leaving her long-term corporate career, Patricia embraced nature and embarked wholeheartedly on her artistic and creative journey. The partly abstract works of Patricia vd Moreen transport us into the scenery of natural landscapes: from navigating through mysterious deep forests to listening to the sound of the ocean, or gazing at the night sky. Her bold brushstrokes evoke many emotions while the textures she creates go beyond the surface of the canvas. Her works include gold leaves, which highlight the lines and compositions. Despite having no human presence in her works, her works harmonize human emotions via her unique aesthetics.

Secrets of the forest. 100 x 120 cm. Acrylic on canvas with 24k gold.

"Amsterdam under the star." 80 x 60cm. Acrylic on canvas with 24k gold (left) and "The Nature's walkway." 80 x 60cm. Acrylic on canvas (right).

Having lived and traveled across Europe for the past two decades, Devon Nguyen has witnessed countless majestic landscapes and infuses a nature-inspired aesthetic into her works. For this exhibition, she presents a selection of oil paintings alongside meticulously crafted ceramics. Each layer of her ceramic flower petals is created with meticulous attention to detail, transforming them into timeless works. In contrast to the bold and emotional brushstrokes in Patricia’s paintings, Devon’s paintings were created in Impressionist style, with loose and quick brushstrokes that are only visible enough to create dreamy lights, and capture a glimpse of humans and animals moving in the fleeting moments of majestic landscapes.

Togetherness. 80 x 80 cm. Oil on canvas.

Flora hand built sculptures. 20 x 20cm (each). Ceramic sculpture.

The works of Patricia and Devon can be understood as living entities that hold dialogues with one another, and directly with the viewers. In a world where we human beings are constantly yearning for a slower pace of life, the two artists' works serve as a reminder for us to slow down, take a deep breath, and embrace our own existences in harmony with stunning nature. Through this exhibition, we are invited to reconnect with the simplicity and beauty of nature, find our own peace, and live in the present.

Works by Devon Nguyen (left) and Patricia vd Moreen (right)

Installation view of “Biophilia and Naturalis”, organized by Lotus Gallery at Audi Charging Lounge.

Established in 1991 as the pioneering private gallery in Ho Chi Minh City, Lotus Gallery has organized numerous exhibitions domestically and internationally, featuring both emerging and established artists from Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The gallery has been curating and exhibiting a wide range of art forms, including painting, photography, sculpture, and installation art. In “Biophilia and Naturalis”, the works harmonize perfectly with the minimalist and luxurious atmosphere of Audi Charging Lounge and offer an experience that allows viewers to walk through an imagined natural landscape.