With Drops of the Sun, Tia-Thuy Nguyen has crafted a space where light and quartz intertwine, creating a vibrant and intensely inspiring masterpiece on the most prosperous land of the Mediterranean.

Vietnamese artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen continues to showcase her intense creativity in her artistic journey.

Her large-scale installation, Drops of the Sun, has officially debuted to art enthusiasts in Monaco, becoming a vibrant and unique piece of the transformative project for Monaco – Mareterra.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of prominent figures and officials in Monaco, including Prince Albert II of Monaco, Monaco’s former Minister of State Serge Telle, billionaire Patrice Pastor, and Vanessa Tubino, Treasurer of the Monaco Foreign Residents Club, along with many other distinguished guests.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore and learn about the design and construction process, the efforts of over 3,000 workers and leading architects from around the world, as well as the vision and mission of the project.

Mareterra is a new district under construction in Monaco, designed as an extension of the existing coastline from the Grimaldi Forum to the Formula One Grand Prix tunnel.

This new complex includes residential, cultural, and recreational spaces, celebrating the spirit and essence of the Mediterranean.

Mareterra is the result of collaboration among a team of world-leading designers, architects, engineers, and ecologists working in harmony with their surroundings.

Drops of the Sun: The harmony between light and quartz stone

Having observed and studied many of Tia-Thuy Nguyen's previous art projects, SAM L'Anse Du Portier, the organization behind Mareterra, decided to approach her in the hope that the artist would bring to Monaco's new land not just an artwork, but also a narrative that connects people with the nature of this region.

With a spirit of reverence for nature's ever-changing essence, Tia-Thuy Nguyen traveled to Monaco, spending time walking and observing the landscapes, light, and natural elements where the Mareterra project is taking shape.

She found that this place embodies the rugged beauty of coastal cliffs and the brilliance of natural light.

In particular, the artist was drawn to the contrast between the fast-paced life of the prosperous city and the tranquil beauty of nature.

This became a focal point for her desire to find a balance between serenity and haste – a space that allows the people there to replenish their energy, soothe their minds, and experience peace and purity.

From this idea, Tia-Thuy Nguyen created a room separated from the noisy outside, resembling a cave or a private territory that can only be entered when guided.

And the balanced, soothing space, where natural light combines with quartz, named Drops of the Sun, has been created with the aim of soothing the human soul.

Drops of the Sun features four captivating elements:

Natural Light: Sunlight filters through pink quartz windows and a light prism, transforming into a radiant pink glow. The ambiance shifts throughout the day, moving from dazzling brilliance to a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere.

Quartz Cloud Painting: Crafted from over four tonnes of carefully selected quartz, this vibrant artwork mimics the soft movement of drifting clouds.

Light Prism: A striking 1,400kg pink glass block suspended from the ceiling, casting delicate, mesmerizing light throughout the space.

Reincarnation Window: A solid stone block symbolizing the eternal cycle of energy, connecting light to the soul of the viewer.

Artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen had a warm meeting and conversation with the press and guests. Everyone was surprised to learn that this artwork was created by a Vietnamese artist.

In her remarks, the artist offered profound insights into the creative process, leaving attendees impressed by the intricacy and meticulousness of the artwork and the patience of the artisans involved.

As they spent more time admiring the installation, the guests were able to better appreciate the narrative of energy flow and the deeply symbolic details, such as the cycle of Samsara.

“At first, I felt anxious and a bit hesitant being alone among the guests and officials in a foreign place,” Tia-Thuy Nguyen said.

“But then everything flowed naturally, perhaps because I had been preparing for this day for the past three years.

“I am very happy to learn that this project has the largest budget in Europe for this century.

“Even more delightful is that a Vietnamese artist can be present amidst the pride of the world, bringing the voice of my country's fine arts closer to contemporary artistic values.”

Two-year journey to create monumental healing installation

In addition to the message and meaning conveyed by the artist, the artwork Drops of the Sun also makes a significant impression due to its sheer size. The piece stands 2.6 meters tall and spans five meters, covering all four walls of a room approximately 25 square meters in size.

To create this artwork, Tia-Thuy Nguyen and her team of 25 faced numerous challenges, from selecting the appropriate quartz to crafting each detail so that the colors transitioned seamlessly through various layers.

Notably, the light prism required meticulous calculations to ensure both esthetic appeal and structural integrity while suspended.

With over 15,000 hours of work, equivalent to two continuous years, the masterpiece has been officially completed.

Drops of the Sun continues to showcase Tia-Thuy Nguyen's exceptional talent for perceiving light and her advanced techniques in arrangement and stone setting.

With a light framework on the ceiling, the artwork is entirely entrusted to natural light, allowing for changes in color throughout the day or in response to different weather conditions.

At this moment, the experience of the beauty of the quartz clouds will depend on the time and the mood of each individual entering that space.

“I am eager to welcome the rich and diverse imaginative stories from viewers, and most importantly, to elevate the concepts of freedom, love, and healing,” the Vietnamese artist said.

“Each time one immerses themselves in the natural energy of the stone paintings in the room, they will receive more than what they seek.

“Standing in the room opens up a perspective on life; it could be a cloud, it could be the sky, it could be the universe.

"Each stone is a unique being in the universe, much like each of us is a manifestation on this Earth."

The rays of light weaving through the space will continue to bring positive energy, inviting contemplation about life for each person who appreciates it.

The artwork Drops of the Sun by artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen has transcended a commercial commission from a visionary investor from the most prosperous coast of the Mediterranean.

It serves as a reminder that amid the roughness of life, there are always gentle, tender moments that embrace the human soul.

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