Maily Nguyễn "Dreaming"

Gregor: Can you describe the time in which this collage was created?

Maily Nguyễn: Last winter I was at home alone a lot, just for myself. This was due to the Berlin winter, but the lockdown has intensified this situation even more. I felt like traveling all year round, but especially in January. So I looked at travel catalogues because I had wanderlust. Then I found this giant somewhere - a print from another time. It has something nostalgic about it. All in all, it wasn't necessarily the happiest time in my life. I didn't feel that way at the moment, but in retrospect, when I look at my work from that time, I see something dark, nostalgic.

G: Do you see anything positive about Corona?
M: Yes, I have learned a lot during this time. I see how marginalised groups have raised their voices, people around me have become more politicised. Perhaps we have learned to reflect our own privileges and to be more caring towards our fellow human beings. People of my generation started to think about how to shape the future, there are many who want to take responsibility now. This movement has gained momentum through the Corona period.

G: And for you personally?
M: It was not an easy time, but now with a clear head and a distance, I see that for me some things have changed for the better. Because the lockdown gave me time to try new things. For example I realized how much I love making collages.