The 78 artists who have created the 122 pieces of work currently being shown at Work Room Four are as diverse as their work. & Of Other Things picked four of them to share more about themselves and shed light on the immense spectrum of creative minds the 2nd Open Exhibition has brought together.
A nice surprise: Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga
‘Softness’ – 40 x 60 – Watercolour on silk – 2014
‘The Jolly Place’ – 80 x 100 – Watercolour on silk – 2014
&: How did you hear about the Open Exhibition and why did you decide to submit your work?
Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga: I heard about this exhibition from artist Thế Sơn who is my professor at Vietnam University where I’m currently in my last year studying painting. I decided to take part in this as I wanted to communicate with and learn from local and international artists. This is also a chance for me to realise who and where I am as an artist.
&: Do you consider yourself an artist?
Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga: As a matter of fact I have asked myself this question many times. If I’m not an artist then who am I? I’ve been teaching fine arts to children for almost ten years now. At some point I thought that was enough. But as life changed and new vibrant art events were taking place, my love for art surged and I decided to go back to university and study painting (at that time I’d been an art teacher for 5 years).
I sometimes feel inferior as I haven’t done much art, and I simply consider myself an art-lover who knows a little about her love. Many say I am too shy. But I myself think in order to be a true artist, one has to live and work within art, dedicate herself to it and contribute valuable creations which send out messages with her own voice. I can’t say whether I’m an artist or not. I just know that I want to devot my life to art. What I do for art in general is what counts. And what other people think of me doesn’t matter.
&: When and where do you feel the most creative?
Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga: Maybe when I feel empathetic, but I never know when or where I will be inspired. My motto is “anytime, anywhere”. I don’t detain my source of inspiration behind any walls. But I create my best art work when I feel empathetic. And to be empathetic towards someone, I need to explore them, observe, listen to them and really see them.
&: What is art in your opinion?
Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga: Art is a way of telling stories in which the storyteller frequently changes moods and tones while whispering of life’s joy and tears!
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Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga was born in 1983 and currently lives in Hanoi where she studies painting.
