Diane Severin Nguyen: IF REVOLUTION IS A SICKNESS?

An exhibition catalog featuring a film by artist Diane Severin Nguyen, titled "If Revolution is a Sickness," explores how songs and shared histories connect across different times and places. The book includes essays, reflections, and a flexi-disc record with a song co-written by Nguyen. The exhibition was commissioned by SculptureCenter in New York and the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2023
Publisher: Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago

This captivating catalog, released in conjunction with the exhibition titled "If Revolution is a Sickness," presents the inaugural monographic publication dedicated to the remarkable artistic journey of artist Diane Severin Nguyen. Through its pages, the book delves into the intricate tapestry of Nguyen's work, exploring how songs and shared histories intertwine across diverse eras and geographical locations. At its core, the book revolves around a mesmerizing new film by Nguyen, set in the vibrant city of Warsaw, Poland. The film loosely follows the captivating journey of an orphaned Vietnamese child who rises from adversity to join a South Korean pop-inspired dance group, resonating deeply within the vibrant subculture of Polish youth. Nguyen ingeniously employs the genre of K-pop as a vernacular framework, tracing the intricate connections between Eastern Europe and Asia, rooted in the echoes of Cold War allegiances.

In addition to an abundance of stunning imagery from the film and behind-the-scenes footage, the book also includes thought-provoking essays by Cat Zhang, delving into the online communities surrounding K-pop. Meanwhile, Nathanäel offers insightful perspectives on music, history, and geography, enriching the reader's understanding of Nguyen's artistic vision. Curators Myriam Ben Salah and Sohrab Mohebbi contribute a pair of reflections on the film, shedding light on its profound impact. Furthermore, an engaging conversation between the artist and psychoanalyst Jamieson Webster adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Complementing the book is a flexi-disc record, featuring a captivating song co-written by Nguyen, accompanied by music and lyrics that further immerse the reader in her artistic world.

This remarkable catalog was commissioned by SculptureCenter in New York and the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago, ensuring its widespread dissemination and appreciation. "If Revolution is a Sickness" serves as a testament to Diane Severin Nguyen's exceptional talent and her ability to bridge cultures, time, and continents through her art.

Dimension: 241 x 178 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780941548861