“As a photographer, I feel like it’s my imperative to take in all of the trash of the world,” says Diane Severin Nguyen. “And I think I work from this psychic garbage.” Fingernails, karaoke YouTubers, grass jelly, make-up tutorials, anti-war anthems, and mass-produced trinkets all find themselves colliding in the work of the artist. Collecting the dust and detritus from our heads and our homes, Diane Severin Nguyen creates compelling and often mystifying photographs and videos which question divides between what is considered trashy or intellectual, organic or inorganic, alienating or disarming.

“Diane links ideas in unexpected ways, and it was a privilege to be able to temporarily inhabit her perspective,” say Jessica Kingdon and Nathan Truesdell, co-Directors and co-Editors of the film. “In a digital world that’s guiding us more and more towards the content we think we want to see, she remains a cyberflâneuse of sorts, open to discovery yet resisting the pull of the algorithm.”

Tune in to the premiere of “Diane Severin Nguyen’s Transfigurations” on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 12PM ET at Art21.org and on Art21’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/art21org. To learn more, email Art21 Manager of Communications, Hannah DeGarmo, at [email protected].

Join Art21 for a special screening and conversation with artist Diane Severin Nguyen on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Tribeca Screening Room in New York, NY. Doors open at 6:30pm, program begins at 7:00pm. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Register at https://a21.tv/3TUvho5.

About New York Close Up

New York Close Up (NYCU) is devoted to capturing early career artists living and working in New York City. NYCU films have been accepted and honored by over 100 film festivals, including the BlackStar and DOC NYC film festivals, as well as the Academy Awards-qualifying, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. NYCU films have also been honored with 2 Webby Award nominations and 6 Vimeo Staff Picks. Most recently, NYCU films have been accepted at the 2022 Frameline, Fullframe Documentary Film Festival, Miami Film Festival, and Rooftop Films.

About Art21

Art21 is a celebrated global leader in presenting thought-provoking and sophisticated content about contemporary art, and the go-to place to learn first-hand from the artists of our time. A nonprofit organization, Art21’s mission is to inspire a more creative world through the works and words of contemporary artists. Learn more at Art21.org.