Fluid Memories is a work-in-progress that blends dance, video, installation and participatory practice by Chung Nguyen. A new collaboration with visual artist James Nguyen and Gav Barbey, this work explores the reciprocal relationship between human bodies, environmental trauma and healing. 

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Fluid Memories examines the lasting impact of Agent Orange, the chemical herbicide deployed by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. James and Chung's research centres on the NuFarm factory in Fawkner, Victoria, which manufactured herbicides and agricultural chemicals, including Agent Orange, between 1955-1974. 

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Central to this work is the red scarf—an iconic socialist youth symbol—reimagined as a metaphorical umbilical cord, connecting the artist's body to Mother Earth. Chung also draws on military marching to investigate their physical language as a form of cultural expression. As queer artists from different waves of Vietnamese migration to Australia (post-war refugee and post-Đổi Mới economic), James and Chung create space for cultural dialogue and healing across separate diasporic experiences. 

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Concept, choreography and performance: Chung Nguyen

Video and sound design: James Nguyen

Participatory engagement advisor: Gav Barbey

Photo credit: Gregory Lorenzutti

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This project’s development was supported by Temperance Hall’s Front Studio Residency in 2025 and Dance House's Independent Choreographers Program in 2024.​​