KV Duong

Interview with Canadian artist KV Duong —

KV Duong’s solo show, Identity, is at Streatham Space Project, London, SW2 from 23 October to 27 November 2018

1. Who are you and what do you do?
KV Duong, abstract action artist. The action comes from the act of painting whether it’s flicking the paint brush, dragging steel chains over onto the art to create marks, or physically dipping myself in paint and smearing myself across the canvas.

2. Why art?
First and foremost, creating art is so much fun and I don’t feel like it’s work at all when I’m doing it. Secondly, I feel so privileged when someone connects with my work and it’s a special feeling to be able to share a moment with a complete stranger. Thirdly you are immersed into a wonderfully creative environment and you are interacting with other people who are truly passionate about what they do.

“The Next Day”

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
I’ve enjoyed doing art ever since I could pick up a pencil. I remember as a child I would occupy my free time (or simply to cure boredom) by sitting on the floor with paper on top of printer box (as a desk) and I just drew. That was all I needed.

“Identity IV – Migration”

4. What are your favourite subject(s) and media(s)?
Themes of my work: personal identity, migration, sexuality and human relationships. I use mainly acrylic with mixed media on canvas, but I’ve ventured into live painting performances, photography and hopefully installation soon.

“Letter To My Younger Self”

5. How do you work and approach your subject?
Sometimes spontaneously and often experimentally. I would start with an idea in mind but usually with abstract art, or in my case, the piece takes on a life of its own and as the facilitator, I just have to let the piece run.

6. What are your favourite art work(s), artist(s)?
Anselm Kiefer, Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock (especially Blue Poles), Gerhard Richter, Marina Abramović.

“Identity VI”

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
At my debut performance ‘Turbulence’ last December, one of the audience member was so moved that she cried during the performance. My work is definitely honest and personable and I think the audience connects with them because they see a part of themselves in my art.

“Intersection I”

8. What do you like about your work?
That it is true to me, that is comes from a place within. Keeping it real ?

“School Trousers”

9. What advice would you give to other artists?

Have the courage to experiment; when you become too comfortable with your practice, push yourself to try different things. Watch Blomberg Brilliant Ideas – series of 74 artist profiles available on youtube. These videos are food for your artistic soul.

KV Duong

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Full time artist collaborating with international artists, international residencies, represented by multiple galleries.

KV Duong

LINKS —

Website: http://www.kvduong.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvduongart/