Artist in conversation: Quynh Anh Le
“ Even within moments of stillness and peace, I find there exists a profound intensity”
Having earned a master's degree and a teaching position at Vietnam University of Fine Art, Quynh Anh's journey into the art world is marked by both academic accomplishment and creative exploration. Their remarkable talent has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, Quynh Anh was awarded the First Prize at the Student Art Exhibition of Vietnam University of Fine Arts, a feat they repeated the following year at the second National Art Exhibition for students of Culture and Arts Training institutions. In 2023, Quynh Anh's artistic prowess was recognized on the international stage when they were invited to showcase their work at the 76th Women’s Union Fine Arts Exhibition at the Tokyo Art Museum in Japan.
Quynh Anh's artistic style is deeply influenced by the Pop art movement, which introduced them to the power of color as a dominant force in shaping perception and meaning in art. While initially adhering to more conventional and academic styles, Quynh Anh soon realized the limitations of realism in capturing the depth of their creative vision. This prompted a shift towards abstract and conceptual Fine arts forms.
Today, Quynh Anh's work delves into the intricate landscapes of the human psyche, exploring complexities of emotions such as passion, love, and tranquility. Their art captures the profound intensity that exists even within moments of stillness and peace. It is this duality within the human soul that Quynh Anh seeks to capture and convey in their art.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I initially developed a passion for art from a very young age, driven by an innate desire to express myself creatively. As my awareness grew, so did my fascination with the world of Fine arts, and I harbored aspirations of becoming a painting artist.
During my formal education in Fine arts, I initially adhered to more conventional and academic styles, acquiring a strong foundation in traditional techniques. However, my artistic journey took a significant turn when I was profoundly influenced by the Pop art movement. This movement introduced me to the power of color as a dominant force in shaping perception and meaning in art.
Over time, I began to perceive the limitations of realism in capturing the depth of my creative vision. This realization prompted a shift towards abstract and conceptual Fine arts forms. My work now explores the inner realms of human consciousness, delving into the intricate landscapes of the human psyche. I delve into the complexities of emotions such as passion, love, and more recently, tranquility and serenity.
Even within moments of stillness and peace, I find there exists a profound intensity. It is this duality within the human soul that I seek to capture and convey in my art. My current focus lies in illuminating the profound depths of human existence, embracing both its tranquil and turbulent aspects. I aspire to unveil the hidden facets of the human spirit through my art, offering viewers a glimpse into the profound complexities of our inner worlds.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
In terms of subject matter, I frequently explore themes and motifs that stem from my personal perceptions of the world and the universe. I am drawn to topics that resonate most closely with my own experiences and emotions. Rather than painting based on external influences, I focus on what I feel internally, relying on my intuition and emotions as the driving force behind my creative process. This approach allows me to authentically connect with my work and naturally propel my artistic expression.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
One particular piece that presented a significant challenge in my artistic journey was my university graduation project. With this project, I aimed to encapsulate all that I had learned throughout my academic years and venture beyond my comfort zone. During the process, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, igniting a strong desire to convey my inner thoughts and emotions through my work. At that age, my passion burned intensely.
The research phase for this project was extensive and arduous, requiring a substantial amount of time and effort to gather relevant materials. Additionally, arranging the composition to effectively communicate my message proved to be a formidable task. The technical aspects of execution were also quite challenging, and it took me a total of six months to complete the artwork.
Internally, I engaged in a profound struggle, constantly refining and reworking my initial sketches as I grappled with the representation of my inner self. It was a deeply introspective process. Despite the numerous obstacles, I persisted and continued to push myself to achieve the best possible result.
In the end, my dedication paid off as the artwork was awarded in a national Fine arts student exhibition. This experience taught me the value of perseverance, self-discovery, and the willingness to confront artistic challenges head-on. It also reinforced my belief in the power of art as a medium for personal expression and growth.
Could you share how these experiences have shaped your artistic style and inspired your dedication to oil painting?
In Vietnam, Fine Art students are exposed to various mediums such as silk painting, Vietnamese lacquer, and oil painting, among many others. When I first encountered oil painting, it was a transformative experience that unleashed a surge of creative energy and presented a significant challenge.
Oil painting is a technically demanding medium; while anyone can use it, achieving mastery in it is a formidable task. The process of working with oil paints involves a complex interplay of techniques, patience, and skill. It was during this initial exposure that I found a unique resonance with oil painting, and it became the sole medium I wished to pursue in my artistic journey.
The inherent difficulty of oil painting, combined with the sense of liberation and artistic exploration it offered, greatly influenced my artistic style. It encouraged me to push the boundaries of my creativity and refine my technical abilities. Over time, I developed a deep connection with oil painting, appreciating not only its challenges but also the depth and richness it brings to my artistic expression.
In essence, these experiences shaped my artistic style by leading me to choose oil painting as my primary medium, and they inspired my dedication to continually improve and explore the possibilities it offers. Oil painting has become a cornerstone of my artistic identity, allowing me to convey my thoughts and emotions with depth and nuance.
Can you tell us more about the message or emotions you aim to convey through your oil paintings, and how you hope your artwork resonates with viewers?
I always aspire to create a space for viewers to connect with my artwork on a personal level because they each bring their own unique stories and experiences. Every one of my oil paintings carries its own distinct essence, which is why it inherently resonates with individuals in their own unique ways.
My hope is that each person who encounters my work finds their own emotional and intellectual connection, interpreting the message or emotions I convey through their own lens. This personal resonance allows my art to become a conversation, a reflection, and a source of contemplation for each viewer, fostering a deep and meaningful connection between the artwork and its audience.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I maintain a strong connection with fellow artists primarily through my circle of friends, many of whom are artists themselves. Additionally, I actively seek out opportunities to engage with the broader artistic community by participating in art workshops and events both locally and internationally. My motivation behind these endeavors is my desire to share my art with the world and to stay abreast of new developments and trends in the art world. By collaborating with and learning from other artists, I ensure that I remain connected to the ever-evolving artistic landscape, allowing my work to continually evolve and adapt to the changing artistic climate.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Creating art is an intrinsic part of my identity. It runs through my veins, and even when faced with setbacks or creative blocks, my inherent passion for art keeps me driven to overcome these challenges and continue to create.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I appreciate the opportunity to exhibit my artworks with The Holy Art Gallery. Exhibiting with The Holy Art Gallery provides a platform to share my work with a wider audience and engage with the art community. I'm eager to contribute to the gallery's mission and be a part of its artistic endeavors.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Looking ahead, my long-term goals and aspirations as an artist extend beyond borders. I aspire to dedicate myself to the art not only within my country but also on an international scale. I envision that through my artworks, a broader audience will be inspired to delve deeper into the world of art. To achieve these aspirations, I plan to continue creating art that resonates with diverse audiences, participate in international exhibitions, collaborate with artists from different cultures, and continually refine my skills and artistic vision. Additionally, I intend to engage with art communities and institutions globally to foster cross-cultural artistic exchange and promote a deeper understanding of art's universal language.