Anh Nguyen was born in Melbourne and now lives and paints in Thirroul on the NSW South Coast, with her partner and four children.
Her art practice arrived by way of a circuitous route, though she had never really let go of that pencil from the time she made the very first mark.
Anh was awarded the Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize in 2020 and was also the recipient of the Basil Sellers Art Award in 2018.
She has been a finalist in other well-regarded prizes, such as the Muswellbrook Art Prize (2023, 2022), Rick Amor Self-Portrait Prize (2022, 2020), Grace Cossington Smith Art Award (2021), Dobell Drawing Prize (2021), Kilgour Art Prize (2020 – Highly Commended).
Her 'civilian' job is at the University of Sydney (Strategy) and she is also an avid reader, film watcher and knitter.
In the lead up to the Scarborough Art Show, we asked Anh about her work and what inspires her to create.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm aways on something! I don't really 'paint for a show’, I enjoy making as many pictures as possible and then letting the natural connections take place. The last painting I did was of Katoomba town and I'm still thinking about rooftops, vantage points and diagonals, and I've got a good picture in my mind of a place in Wollongong...
Why do you choose this medium?
Medium is my muse! I love technique and the different qualities and behaviours of everything from drawing materials like pencil and charcoal, to water-based pigments to oil. Mastering any medium is a life-long journey that I am completely committed to.
What motivates you to create?
Visual excitement found in life. It's a response to being in this world, feeling things, seeing things, looking carefully.
What makes you curious?
I love this question! I think I love ideas. Looking at other people's art. Personal expression.
What do you enjoy about the Scarborough Art Show?
I love art and I love public education!
The Scarborough Art Show is back on the weekend of October 6, 7 and 8 at Scarborough Public School, 371-381 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough NSW 2515. Find out more at www.scarboroughartshow.com and book opening night tickets here