In her recent exhibition, artist Hương Ngô delves into the impact of memory on the present. By repurposing outdated electrical components, Ngô creates wall-mounted sculptures where vines grow and wind around cords like synapses, symbolizing her parents’ work in electronic assembly lines and their garden. In an interview, Ngô shares the personal, temporal, and political layers of her work.
Ngô describes her exhibition as a tribute to her parents, who worked in electronics factories as refugees after the Vietnam War. Despite their significant contributions to technological advancements, their labor has been overlooked. The electronic components used in her sculptures, such as capacitors and resistors, represent time regulation and serve as links between the past and future.
The plants in Ngô’s exhibition, referred to as “chaos machines,” disrupt the orderly grids of electronics, blooming and withering unpredictably. Ngô challenges viewers to reconsider the concept of time beyond conventional measurements, exploring ancestral, cultural, and geological time that have been marginalized by colonial and capitalist influences.
She questions whether the history of an object can be embedded within it, aiming to highlight the invisible labor of workers like her parents. Ngô’s work serves as an archive of these workers, offering recognition to those whose contributions are often excluded from official records, such as those of Silicon Valley.
Ngô’s exhibition, titled “This Space Is for Lost Time,” is on display at Tiger Strikes Asteroid-Chicago until October 3rd. Visitors can experience the intersection of art, technology, labor, and memory at the gallery or by appointment.
In the world of arts and culture, other notable exhibitions and events are also taking place in Chicago. From installations that prompt introspection to shows that challenge societal norms, the city’s vibrant art scene offers a diverse range of experiences for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Whether exploring the transformative power of art at Hull-House Museum or celebrating milestones in the local art community, Chicago continues to be a hub of creativity and innovation.
As audiences engage with Ngô’s thought-provoking work and other artistic endeavors across the city, they are invited to reflect on their own perceptions of time, labor, and history. Through these immersive experiences, individuals have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the world around them and appreciate the interconnectedness of art and society.