82. LE TRANG - A SPACE BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT.

Le Trang, Self-Portrait, 2024, 42 x 48cm. Oil on Canvas, Private Collection.

A space between mother and self, between mauve and lilac and the life-giving greens of an imagined garden, forever in bloom - a place to return to even when far from home.
The focus of a subtle synthetism is vividly rich, with a knowing gaze set on the grandeur of the palatial and the luster of perception.

The first image I saw of your work was a double portrait in mauve - a photograph of you seated next to a painted depiction - there are certain shades of purple that return throughout your works - please can you contemplate your use of purple and why it is an important choice for you?

I was born and raised in Huế, the ancient capital of Vietnam. The color purple and the traditional áo dài in purple are symbols of my hometown. 

To me, it represents the strength hidden behind gentleness—the qualities of a woman in the role of a mother. I emphasize the profound meaning of motherhood, the delicate balance between nurturing, caring for children, and a mother’s sense of self-worth. As a mother of three, I understand the pressures women face, having to maintain an image of grace while fulfilling their maternal duties.

When I saw the paintings in the real, my mind wandered to thoughts of the double portrait, and the idea of reimagining a self, what have you learned about yourself and what are the messages that you want to communicate through the creation of these works? 

Similar to the meaning behind The Garden of Love (2024), this twin portrait explores and portrays the significance of combining the role of parenting with the elegance that comes from self-care and cultivating one's inner self. 
I encourage young women to seek and accomplish their ambitions. Whatever their starting point, degree of education, or age, they should be confident in following their passions, despite the hurdles and problems that may come. The young woman in the artwork, immersed in her thoughts and desires, represents the fortitude to pursue her dreams and listen to her deep inner voice. All of the works in my MOTHERHOOD collection depict women who embody the delicate, distinctly Eastern, and deeply Vietnamese spirit. 

There is a distinct sense of style connected to the 'Synthetism' movement within certain pieces, is there a connection to this movement within your practice and if so how do you see your work sitting within the landscape of painting? 

Yes, my works indeed bear traces of the Synthetism movement. I am influenced by 19th-century French artists, particularly those of this movement, such as Paul Gauguin and Émile Bernard. I find the Synthetism style, with its simplified forms, bold colors, and symbolic representation, to be a remarkable way to convey deeper emotional and spiritual messages.

When portraying Vietnamese women figures, I blend this technique, by integrating Synthetism into my work, I aim to revive and reinterpret its spirit, creating a bridge between the past and the present.

Through this approach, I hope to imbue my paintings with a sense of harmony and emotional resonance, whether in serene landscapes or the elegant figures of women. This is how I honor the Synthetism tradition while also contributing my own voice to contemporary artistic dialogue. 

I found your choice of frames to be intriguing, works made in modern times, framed to emulate another era, please can you contemplate your feelings towards the presentation of your practice? 

A frame is not merely a decorative element; it is a symbol of the artist’s respect—both for the work itself and for those who engage with it. This respect extends to the space in which the artwork is displayed.

I am inspired by the exhibition standards of renowned museums worldwide, where frames are chosen to complement the artwork, elevating its story and presence. By framing my contemporary works in a style that echoes a bygone era, I aim to create a bridge between the past and the present. 

This approach invites the viewer to engage with the work on multiple levels, harmonizing historical elements with the vivid immediacy of today’s visual experience. 

At its core, the way I choose to frame my work reflects my deep commitment to presenting art in a manner that is both respectful, crafting an experience that captivates the eye while also stirring the emotions of those who behold it. 

The portrait of the subject with a paintbrush in hand engaging with a surface that is out of viewers' sight fascinates me - please can you expand upon this work? 

For me, the moment of painting holds a profound significance. It is a time when I completely retreat into my inner world, allowing myself to live authentically and true to my essence. That moment truly reflects my personal journey, both as an artist and a mother. Painting is the time where I can be entirely myself, diving deep into my soul, where I feel free to express my emotions and thoughts. In this self-portrait, I depict myself painting a weaver bird's nest—a symbol of 'home'—not only for birds but also for us, humans. Home is a place we all cherish. It’s where comfort, love, and belonging thrive. 

This portrait, to me, is more than an image of an artist at work. It represents my thoughts and dedication to my family. It reflects the balance between my roles as an artist and a mother, creating a sense of home and comfort, not just in the painting but also in real life. 

Through this painting, which reflects inner strength and the deep connection between family and art, I aim to affirm the power of feminism and the tremendous resilience of mothers. Mothers possess an infinite capacity to create, nurture, and inspire—not only within their families but also in their artistic creations. Creativity is not merely about producing works; it is the crystallization of love, devotion, and the delicate balance that the artist brings to life in their work.

A series of works by Le Trang were presented as a part of the exhibition ‘From The One To The Many’, Saatchi Gallery, London, September 2024.