Interview: Tran Quoc Tuan
Luca Curci talks with Tran Quoc Tuan during the 6th Edition of ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR, at Medina Art Gallery, during MIXING IDENTITIES and VISIONS, second and third appointment of CANVAS ART FAIR at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello in Venice, and during the 8th edition of LONDON CONTEMPORARY at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space, in London.

Tran Tuan was born in Vietnam in 1961, he is a distinguished Vietnamese painter whose artworks have been widely exhibited nationally and internationally. Inspired by Eastern spirituality, his abstract pieces appear at first to be wholly minimalist and contained. However, they contain striking intensity and vibrancy, primarily achieved through a vivid color palette and layering techniques. In conclusion, the Art of Tran Tuan provides each viewer with a glimpse into his innermost thoughts.

Artist Tran Tuan is able to create artworks in which people can immerse themselves, not only because his work is based on the constant research about the Universe and the Human being, but also thanks to his unique technique based on his 5D concept: Width, Height, Depth, Time and Soul – the dimension that your eyes are able to see and the more.

Luca Curci – What are you currently working on?
Tran Tuan – I am working on a project with the theme of peace and love which includes large-size paintings.

LC – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
TT – I was born in a city in the North of Vietnam. When I was 4 years old, all the children in the city had to
evacuate to the countryside to avoid American bombs which focused on Vietnamese cities during the
Vietnam’s war with the United States so I was able to understand the suffering and loss from the
war. That’s why my paintings always lead to Peace and Love.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
TT – Yes, It has changed through many stages. I studied Fine art painting at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts for 10 years, since I was 15 years old. I have created art in the style of Classical Fine Art, Surrealism, Impressionism, Figurative, Expressionism then Abstract. It can be said that my art style changes over the years in the direction of becoming more and more condensed, simplified and abstract.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
TT – Yes, my artworks always focus on one theme which leads to Peace and Love.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
TT – Yes, for me my art is a closed eye which is looking into my own soul. When I create artwork, it doesn’t mean I want to describe the world which we see. My artworks are the forms from deep deep memories of my previous lives. They are the places for mental activity which we haven’t been able to explain by logic yet. In both the stage of figurative and the stage abstraction, my art-mental is constant. The subjects in my art become more and more macros from time by time, they transform into simplification and lead to abstract art. Eventually, I go through all forms and then immerse myself in the universe. I think simply: Art is the marvellous light of mysterious souls. Yes, As an artist, I want to deliver the message to our human world through my art: Please live in Peace and Love.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
TT – I think the concept of this exhibition is great. It is completely similar to my art concept: art is an
expression of the harmony between the artist’s soul – a universe within a biological body – with the
physical Universe in which our planet does currently exist in. The duty of an artist is to spread the message to humanity, direct people living on this small and beautiful planet away from greed and selfishness, and lead the world to be peaceful and full-filled with love. It inspires me because there is a similarity between the concept of this exhibition and my art concept, my creative inspiration is really free and uplifting.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
TT – The message regarding the artwork I displayed in this event is Love and Peace. I created this painting
with inspiration from the dream about the flight of the human soul in love. It is passionate love between
a man and a woman. It is also a wonderful feeling of love between people. It is also the feeling of
falling deeply in love with this nature, this planet, the sky, the sea, and the starry universe. That love
makes our souls soar with warm hearts, immersing us in the beautiful nature and vast universe. It
does completely connect with the theme of the whole exhibition: art is the expression of harmony
between the artist’s soul – a universe within a biological body – with the physical Universe in which our
planet exists in.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
TT – I think ITSLIQUID GROUP is a great media art platform for artists of contemporary art around the world.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
TT – I think your service is very good. The information you provide to the artist is perfect.
It connects the artists’ thoughts to the whole of humanity, conveying to everyone the desire for Peace,
preserving this beautiful planet and living in full Love.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
TT – Yes, I am very happy to cooperate with you.