The Symbols of the Soul: Chiron Duong’s Photography

In an era where 4.7 billion images are created daily, finding those that genuinely resonate becomes a challenge. Chiron Duong's photographs disrupt this endless stream of commonplace compositions, prompting moments of contemplation. Drawing inspiration from Symbolist aesthetics but infused with modern innovation, his works transform everyday symbols into journeys through the artist's soul and ours. Channeling the spirit of the French poet Mallarmé, Chiron's images move beyond mere representation, capturing the profound effects they evoke. Join us as we delve into this fascinating realm with Chiron in our insightful conversation!

Could you share a bit about yourself and your origins? If you had to pick three objects that best describe who you are, what would they be?

Hello, I am Chiron Duong (Dat Duong), born and raised in Vietnam, specifically in a countryside reminiscent of Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro.

At this point, I can only think of three objects that resonate with me:

Resistance bands, a daily companion in my journey toward improved health.

A heavy laptop backpack, though burdensome, represents the practicality and tools of my trade.

A notebook with a pen, my preference over digital tools, allows me to observe and record life in coffee shops, providing clarity and belief in myself.

I have a connection to these items. While carrying a heavy laptop everywhere feels like a curse, it's a practical necessity. Resistance bands contribute to my daily health regimen, reflecting my commitment to fitness. Despite the convenience of social networks, I prefer a notebook and pen, especially in coffee shops, where I observe and record life, fostering a clearer sense of self and belief.

What is your artistic background, and how did you discover your artistic talent?

Before delving into photography, I pursued a career as a landscape architect. Limited options during my university entrance exam years led me to choose architecture over fine arts, considering the challenges of making a living from art in Vietnam at the time. Initially a reluctance, I grew to appreciate the industry, gaining diverse perspectives that significantly influence my approach to photography.

Landscape Architecture, with its Planning discipline, provided an opportunity to systematize my core goals and deepen self-understanding. Despite the architectural focus, I harbored a love for various art forms like painting, photography, animation, and theater arts. Photography became a means of self-entertainment during my architecture studies, revealing an unexpected connection between photography and landscape architecture. This parallel exploration continues to shape my artistic endeavors.

What is your first memory related to you creating art?

My earliest art-related memory dates back to creating a book cover in secondary school. When my art teacher asked for guidance on reproducing it, I realized my innate talent for drawing. Although I haven't revisited drawing extensively, the experience left a lasting impression. The reluctance to return to drawing might be attributed to the intense pressure I faced during college, leading to a temporary loss of emotional connection with the art form.

Your work transports us to a dimension filled with graceful colors, dreamy shapes, and forms seemingly from distant realms. Could you share where you find your inspiration?

My inspiration lies in an unconscious world, a blend of my childhood immersed in a beautiful landscape, nurturing a child's imaginative mind, and enriched by the love of neighbors and family. As I grew older, the natural scenery gradually faded, but my nostalgia for it intensified. Observing life and introspection become my primary sources of inspiration.

There's a constant reflection of your traditional heritage and the natural world in your art. Could you explain to our audience why these elements hold significance for you?

While it may not hold the same importance for everyone, to me, it carries immense significance. A glimpse into the video below offers a glimpse of where my family, including my mother, grandmother, and younger siblings, resides. It embodies a gentleness woven by love and natural surroundings. I see it as a reflection of myself and my background, a narrative I aim to share. Moreover, heritage and nature act as softening agents against the thorns of human personality.

The first time I watched your work (Image 137/365 from the series 365 days with Ao Dai), I found myself mesmerized and couldn’t help but think about how your works share a compatible mood with the paintings by the Symbolist painter, Odilon Redon. Do you have a favorite painter and/or photographer who sparks your imagination and creativity?

Thank you very much. In my childhood, I had a deep appreciation for painting, music, and dance. Numerous works flashed through my mind, and I unconsciously absorbed them. I see myself as a canvas that can absorb many colors, letting them move freely within me as I create. However, my memory is not reliable, making it challenging to recall specific artists or works. Recently, I've been drawn to the drawings of How Do You Live - Ghibli Studio. It's a world that resonates deeply with me.

In your photos, everyday elements like flowers, furniture, and, quoting the Symbolist manifesto, human activities and all real-life events, don't stand on their own; they are rather veiled reflections of the senses pointing to archetypal meanings through their esoteric connections. We can say that your photos depict not the thing but the effect it produces. What emotions or thoughts do you aim to evoke in viewers with your work?

I find numerous facets of myself manifesting simultaneously, making it challenging to pinpoint a starting point. One memorable incident during the COVID-19 years involved photographing plants during Tet, the New Year holiday according to the lunar calendar. Witnessing the blooming and withering of flowers in my room, I felt a sense of regret and photographed them before their demise. Surprisingly, the way these flowers appeared in my photos conveyed another life, other stories, detached from their original form. This experience liberated me to capture movement and sparked my curiosity about all objects, as I couldn't fully predict their transformations. Essentially, I aim to evoke emotions and thoughts, allowing viewers to sense the whispers of the subjects in the photos.

Link to the mentioned work: The Reply - The Magic Whispers of Plants

While you're not obliged to reveal the secret, could you share a bit with our community about the creation of your signature halo effect? How did you discover this unique technique?

Drawing inspiration from my background as a landscape architect, my creative process involves in-depth research into the land, its surroundings, and various design options. Technology plays a crucial role, but it comes later in the research process. Determining which technique suits the emotion and context is a thoughtful decision. Currently, my technique involves leveraging the movement of fabrics and flowers to enhance the tactile feel of materials, creating dreamy and uplifting states. Variables like equipment and background color significantly influence the technique, making it adaptable to different goals.

Can you provide a glimpse into your upcoming projects? Is there anything in particular that excites you about these future endeavors?

I am working on a project that explores the convergence of my unconscious and conscious worlds with those of the characters involved. I am eager to unveil this project soon within the year.

Can you name three Instagram users we need to follow? And why are these users worth following?

Selecting Instagram users is subjective, as individual preferences vary. Personally, I recommend exploring pages dedicated to landscape architecture, experimental photography, and sports. Each user's content offers unique perspectives within these realms, contributing to a diverse and enriching feed.

What are the last three songs you listened to?

I don't have specific songs I regularly listen to. Recently, I've been captivated by Polo and Pan's live music performances and song mixes. Their playful approach and melodic charm resonate with childhood memories, evoking the excitement of waiting for street vendors' jingling bells in Vietnam. To balance this, I also indulge in folk music and Vietnamese Bolero, enjoying the blend of traditional and oriental instruments.

Interview by @lluciamarinelli

Images courtesy of @chironduong

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