Progress Road Trip

2009-10-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

A welcoming bonfire for me and a friend's dog that returned home. It's good to be back.

2009-10-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

I've been back in North Carolina for a few days now and it almost seems unreal that I went on a trip with a bunch of chairs (6 to be exact). Set them up in numerous cities as I ventured throughout the U.S.
Lets see North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Maryland. That's not too bad for my first solo road trip.

2009-10-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

I commend the Park Police for their remarkable response. In less than one minute of installing the chairs, they greet me. The difference here was they were actually nice and let me take a few pictures before making me take it down. (And they also rode in on horses!) There seems to be a weird force field around public areas. The access key, a permit. I still don't have a clear understanding of why one needs a permit for a temporary installation of art. Especially in a public area. I feel like everyone is so afraid of getting sued or legalities, that we've helped to eliminate freedoms that should exist. I figure next time I go on a trip like this maybe I should take Flat Stanley instead.

2009-10-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

This was taken in Detroit, MI.
I have realized that what people often say about certain areas or places should be heard but not lived by. There tends to be bad areas throughout the world. If one has these prejudices prevent them from exploring, then how much of the world have you not seen because of rumors or fears.

I stand in the middle of the street taking photos. Darkness fell 30 minutes ago, the damp cold grasps me as I see a figure walking closer. Not much taller than me 5'4. This man is caring a sack of clothes, a sack of cans and a beaten down rocking horse (propped on his left shoulder) We nod and continue on with our business. A great man I'm sure, could be a king from a distant place or the world's #1 dad. I'll never know. His image is forever branded when I think about that night. The man with the rocking horse, someone I wish I knew.

2009-10-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

An old machine shop in Elkhart, Indiana. The safety memos on the door were dated back in 2001.

2009-10-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Seth and I went to the south side of Chicago. An abandoned building sat at the end of a road, piercing the skies with its height. To be inside of this calm textured palace I escape into a truth that within years will be demolished and replaced with a dull lifeless cage. There's an irreplaceable beauty within abandoned buildings.
They have so much to say and yet few will venture in their midst to hear their spoken words.

2009-10-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of the coolest people I met in Chicago, Billy Bob! I wish you well man and a good life.

Hostile grounds

2009-10-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

I received some of the greatest responses from people at this spot. It was also one of the shortest installments. Security from the very beginning was on me. "Sir, I'm going to have to call my supervisor, I don't know if you can be here" "Go ahead and call, I'm going to set this up first" Once it was in place I was racing to get photos. I want to give a special thanks to all of you from Inaside Chicago Dance! You guys are amazing, thanks for coming out and sitting down.
I ask the security guard "So what do you think about this installation?'
"My supervisor is on her way"
"Don't worry about your supervisor, do you like it? The way it reflects off the piece, how people interact with it , how the steps of chairs progress? What do you think about it?"
"My supervisor should be here in a minute"

A few tense moments with the supervisor and the piece was no more. I do like how it's temporary but I really wish more people could have seen it that day. One more second, another glance, one more life touched.

2009-10-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, IL.

Lake Mendota and the sinking ship

2009-10-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

This was the perfect windy day for the sail team to head out on Lake Mendota. It was a spectacular sight to watch them collect their equipment, team together and get ready for their outing.
As I video tape them getting blown away I step back to take more photos. A gust of wind decides to push over my video camera and tripod. (Ka PLUNK!) I jump to the planks reaching out for a sinking ship. There was no hope as I watch small trails of bubbles rising from even deeper depths. Some things are meant to be and maybe this moment wasn't meant to be recorded but remembered instead.

Lauren and Calvin thanks for everything. Lauren I decided to not ask permission and just do it. I think that's what I've learned from this trip, when involving an authority the answer is most likely no. Why risk a no upfront and prevent myself from doing something that could be great! It was a pleasure talking with you. Calvin I know it took a little while but here you go! Thanks for the photo and I wish you well man. Email me and I'll send you the shots.
University of Wisconsin, you really make me want to go to school again...

2009-10-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

This was taken in Library Mall on the University of Wisconsin campus. There are some great things being made on the 7th floor of the Humanities building. I highly recommend checking it out! Nick, thanks for the short tour.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

2009-10-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is in Des Moines, Iowa. A beautiful place where people can get inspired and walk amongst work done by great artists. That night I met Andrew Wagner from Ready-Made magazine. It was a pleasure sharing my ideas with you and talking about the world. You can read a short blurb he wrote about that night here, http://www.readymade.com/blogs/readymade/2009/09/30/a-revelatory-walk-in-the-park/
I love the opportunity for chance. That moment when things just happen, unexpectedly, and out of the ordinary. Try not to plan to much through life and open it to chance. Go with the flow.

Kuehn Conservation Area

2009-10-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Dallas County, Iowa

Help me publish the progress book!

2009-10-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

I recently posted up this project on kickstarter.com. This is a really cool site that gives artists an opportunity to propose a project to people like yourselves and gain support to make the project come to life. I want to make a publication afterwards. A collection of all my experiences, photos, and commentary on the people I've met and the cities I've seen. Check it out (link on the right of this page) There are rewards or gifts for donations depending on the amount. If you're not feeling any of the rewards there is an option to just donate to donate. Thanks for all your support.

Tony

A sunny day in WI

2009-10-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

I get to Madison, WI and have no where to really go. I find myself driving along Monona Dr. and stop across the street from Olbrich Park. As I walk closer to the lake shore I admire the vast space sparkling under the sun and the buildings of downtown towering over. A lifeguard chair stands vacant as I begin to ascend to the top where I rest for a good thirty minutes in the sun. Emerging from my nap I decide it is time to go. Half way to the car a flock of seagals fly above, I lay down on the grass under a beautiful tree and fall asleep for a good twenty minutes more. I wake to the sight of these white birds still soaring in the sky above. They're just flying to fly and enjoying this crisp clear blue sky. I observe them for a while getting lost in the patterns of flight and the thought of what it is they're experiencing. Maybe it's similar to how I feel on the road, driving to drive on the endless American black top roads.

2009-09-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

Omaha, Nebraska

2009-09-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

So this was the first stop, Lincoln, Nebraska. I am so thrilled to be back on the road. Watching the skies change, corn fields fade away, mists hovering above the pavement, it's the perfect time to be alive. Right now I am in Des Moines, Iowa. A really beautiful city filled with warm people and good spirits. I'll be posting again soon. Wisconsin here I come!

2009-09-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

I had a great time yesterday at the "Taste of Colorado." This is an annual Labor day weekend celebration for the community. Celebrating not only the beautiful communities here in Colorado but also arts/crafts, music, food, and enjoying life. If you haven't been here yet, today is your last chance till next year.

2009-08-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

For everyone that is new to this installation. I am traveling the U.S. bringing art to people and proposing the idea of progress. There are two meanings that stand out the most to me. Understand that life is a beautiful cycle with its ups and downs. In such a cycle it is important to continue to look forward and take the steps necessary for change, rather than waiting for it to happen. Second, the american flag branded on the back rests is a testament to reestablishing the american spirit/pride associated with craft/art/products made here. Industries are having a hard time not with just the economy but the importing of goods, as well which corresponds with our economy. Support local: produce, furniture, products, art, craft...

After starting this project it began to grow and evolve into so much more than what I initially thought. Similar to our lives it gains meaning, and depth through the experiences and people that it comes in contact with.

Exposing art to people and people to my art.

2009-08-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone that came out last night! It has been way too long since my last posting and the last time I took my installation out. This injury kind of took me away from all of this. Your energy and interactions really brought it back to life for me. I couldn't have asked for a better night. Continue to check up on my blog, because I'm going to be setting up a lot more here.
Post comments or interpretations or email me tnguye23@gmail.com
There is going to be a book in the future so your feedback would be great.
Thanks again. Lets stay in touch

Tony Minh Nguyen

2009-07-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is how someone with a cast can move a chair, not the most efficient way but it worked. Also in front of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, I wanted to celebrate the fact that this place not only joins communities together but provides a destination where people can open their imaginations and feel good about life.

2009-07-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

These are the "Dancers" in front of the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

2009-07-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

These next three destinations couldn't have happened without my good friend Josh. We continue to progress one step at a time even when it seems unfeasible. Looking forward to tomorrow, a new day with countless possibilities.

This is DC Burns Park on Colorado Blvd.

2009-07-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying my time here. Hanging out with friends and meeting a lot of new people. I just so happen to hit another hurdle though, one that will substantially slow this trip down. I broke my talus bone in my right ankle on Wednesday, the 8th. I was bouldering in Boulder, CO. Coming out with only a broken talus, makes me happy. Special thanks to my buddy Josh for pushing me into that crash pad. The MRI this week will tell me more about what is actually going on.
Stacy gave me a choice of black, white, blue, and I think yellow. It took me a while but in the end I chose to go with a blue cast.
Everyone has been saying, "that sucks" I'm sure it does, but I can't stop enjoying the fact that I am experiencing it for the first time.
Here are all the firsts so far
instant ice packs ✓
used my health insurance ✓
wheeled around in a wheel chair ✓
portable x-ray I nicknamed "PORTY" ✓
received a splint ✓
walking around with crutches ✓
-up stairs, down stairs, grass, doors...
experiencing the world with a handicap ✓
my first cast ✓
shower with a bag over my leg (this one is strange) ✓

2009-07-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

What does the Progress chair mean to me?

This symbolizes a new category of what a chair can be or represent. Can a piece of furniture be more than just an inanimate object, be able to tell a story or impact society? I have begun to fall in love with the life of furniture, making it and contributing to it. Blending the worlds of art and function, with real issues. The idea of progression started with the first 5 pieces of chairs growing from the ground up and continuing to go forward with no resistance. I have been reading a lot about the 2nd industrial revolution and the great depression.
It is compelling to see the need and desire to move forward, but the greatest flaw of the revolution is not moving forward but doing so with no regard of its impact or boundaries. We must respect that “what goes up must come down.” The paradox and cycle of construction/destruction or life/death is something we must embrace. It is our responsibility to have concern for the end in the very beginning. 6 Chairs were built 4 were cut apart, the 5th chair used as the climax of the cycle and the 6th is the icon. I want people to begin to take steps forward towards change, rather than waiting for something to happen.

2009-07-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

One of the subjects that has been coming up in conversation is money. How am I affording to do this? Honestly I can't. We've become so reliant on money for making some of the choices in our lives. I had a vision so I'm making it happen. Of course, the debt is tearing me up inside. Being alive, and exposing my art to people is what matters to me, the money will come.
Ty said it best, "Money is nothing, when we die its our memories and the things we owned that stay alive. Money disappears as it's spent and is gone before it's even made, so don't be afraid to spend it."
How did something so disposable and worthless become so dominate?
Life should be lived by the individual and not by their currency.

2009-07-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

This was my set up for First Friday, on 8th and Santa Fe. Check out the gallery space right above at 802 featuring Paul, Xan and Tabitha. There are some great things happening in this place and some beautiful people.
I finally had the chance to use the dolly I've been hauling since NC. This is me packed up and heading out.

2009-07-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Finally reached Colorado yesterday around 6 in the morning. After spending the afternoon sanding the chairs for First Friday, I set out. On 5th and Santa Fe in Art District.

2009-07-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is right before I reached Amarillo, TX.

2009-07-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I drove through Texas to get to Colorado. This is the good ol' Texas country. Seeing this for the first time, really makes me appreciate the land not altered by human hands. We need to stop expanding and preserve what is left.

2009-07-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is the National Weather Center at University of Oklahoma. By the way this picture was taken on Thursday.

2009-07-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is a small vineyard in Norman, Oklahoma. One of the dogs on the property decided to piss on my chairs marking them as his, another event in the life of my chairs.

2009-07-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Right now I am in Norman, Oklahoma. Visiting with friend and previous collegue from SCAD, Thomas Klein.
I'll see what I can come up with here.

2009-07-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Dallas, TX 4:30 am this morning. Seven different sections each in a different language, saying welcome. The merging of cultures unify to make one collective, it's a beautiful thing.

2009-07-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

So I started driving to Dallas yesterday around 11 am. Right out of Baton Rouge, I get a flat tire. As I'm trying to change it, the lugs are breaking, I break one and one was already gone, two lug nuts removed safely and the other two are about to break. So if I break the two left, there's only two holding on the spare, that's definitely not going to work. Tow truck it is. A real cool guy by the name of Bruce comes and takes my car and I to Ty's joint 'Champion's' mechanic shop 6.75 miles away.
These are some good people. Thanks guys.

2009-07-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Art museum in City Park. New Orleans

2009-07-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is on an empty lot, right in the middle of the Make It Right development in the 9th ward. Above is an image of Raymond, her family is visiting and hoping to move to the area. A great sign of progress. Check out http://www.makeitrightnola.org/index.php?isDirect2=true and let me know what you think. I am glad that MIR is helping on such a large scale but how is this new image going to play in the culture and the environment?
Interview for Tony from Raymond
R:what are you doing?
T:i am on a road trip to bring art to people and hopefully make some people smile
R:are you married
T:no
R:do you have kids?
T:no
R:do you have a girlfriend?
T:no
R:so you don't have anyone to do stuff with or hang out with
T:not now
R:so you're all alone then?
T:haha i guess so
R:is that the police?
T:oh man...
Security guard Glen rolls up in a black pick up, flashlight in hand "Sir you have to get off this lot, you're on private property"

2009-07-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

I am really happy to put this up. This was brought to my attention from Mel, who actually teachs art here. This is KIPP Central City Primary. It has been open for a year now, so next year there will be both K and First grade available. I applaud everyone involved with this gem.
Here's a blurb from http://www.kipp.org/

Who we are. KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 66 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving over 16,000 students.

What we do. KIPP builds a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first. By providing outstanding educators, more time in school learning, and a strong culture of achievement, KIPP is helping all students climb the mountain to college.

Why it matters. Every day, KIPP students across the nation are proving that demography does not define destiny. Eighty percent of our students are low-income, and 90 percent are African American or Latino. Nationally, more than 90 percent of KIPP middle school students have gone on to college-preparatory high schools, and more than 80 percent of KIPP alumni have gone on to college.

2009-07-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

near downtown New Orleans
Shattered flourescent tubes create a jagged rocky surface as I walk up to this spot. No Trespassing signs litter this place, I know that I'm not the only one here. The echoes of glass breaking send an alarm of my presence.

2009-06-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Well I'm off to see more places, I can't wait to show you this great and beautiful place.

2009-06-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today i ended up driving around looking for places to shoot. Special thanks to David and Mel! and Gene Meneray at the Arts Council. Without you it would have been harder to uncover my trip. Here is a house in the Ninth Ward belonging to a wonderful couple, Alphonso and Bobby A. Williams. As I was driving I saw this group of volunteers from Son Servants, having lunch on the front porch. This is it! New Orleans = progress.
The determination and pride everyone in this city has, is something I rarely see. It's that and the willingness to have progress/change that brings communities together and opportunities develop.
Thank you Son Servants, and Alphonso and Bobby.

2009-06-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

I can't forget to post this. Clarksdale,MS, the birthplace of the Blues. Ground Zero is a sweet spot. Every surface has been touched and everything has a place in history. Check it out at http://www.groundzerobluesclub.com/ what's up Abraham!

Blues, the soul and heart of America.

2009-06-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

This was off highway 278 on my way to Clarksdale, MS.

2009-06-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

Finally, New Orleans! After driving on some great scenic routes, I'm introduced to a dark cool gray sky marbled with lightning above the causeway. This place has already captured me.

2009-06-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

This is Rowan Oak, home of writer William Faulkner. In the center of Oxford, this site has become a symbol of the city. I decided to switch it up and create a cycle of Progress. The paradox of construction-destruction or life-death.

2009-06-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

This is the Lyceum Building at Oxford University. It's important to appreciate those seeking education and those teaching it. Of course education does not only happen in a formal setting, it happens with jobs/friends/acquaintances/experiences...We have to be open.

2009-06-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Oxford, Mississippi! Oh boy is it hot. I don't even have to move and I'm sweating. This is across the street from Kevin & Lou's place. Thank you Susan and Ron for letting my set up in your front lawn. I couldn't ask for a better backdrop.

2009-06-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

First installation of the trip. 6 am this morning in Tennessee. Little did I know there was a rain storm right behind me. As light rain begins to fall I run back to the car with the plywood seats. Within seconds the wind and rain are full force. The chairs soaked, shoes full of water. My dolly and chairs fighting the weather as I roll them back to the car. Ten minutes down highway 7 there's no sign of rain anywhere on the hot dry pavement.

2009-06-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here it is, all 6 chairs of Progress. This is 8 pm on the 26th just a little behind schedule. Later I came to realize that without working a/c in the xterra it's a good thing I'm driving at night. Destination: Oxford, Mississippi!