Wen Pham - Catalyst

Wen Pham
Showcase Exhibition
Outré Gallery Fitzroy
17 Oct - 9 Nov 2025

Wen Pham (he/him) is an artist based in Melbourne, Australia. He works as a tattoo artist, painter and has just entered the world of sculpting. He is inspired by fluid shapes, textures and also moody cats!

Artist Statement

Every piece represents the emotions felt between the big and small events in life, with each change being a catalyst for the next. Not only is this word so perfect to describe the inspiration for the artworks, it’s an enjoyable play on words too.

I have been through a lot of changes the past two years, especially in my personal life. I started transitioning into my gender, I let a lot of things go, I found the love of my life and also I lost one of my best friends. It's hard to find the time and mental space to sit and process everything when other things in life take up all your time, but painting each piece, I got to revisit those feelings and really have time to sit with these emotions.

I have always had an obsession with cats. I think I am like a cat. They are mostly quiet and a little hesitant to approach people until comfortable. They can hold both gentleness and ferocious. They are also quite independent but also love a cuddle.

I hope people can really connect with the feelings represented in each piece and maybe take it as a reminder to remember to sit and mentally and process each moment in our very turbulent lives - I know I need the reminder to do so as well!