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March 19, 2025
A Human Story Woven from Lines and Colors—An Interview with Hom Nguyen, Knight of the French National Order of Arts and Letters, on His Visit to Japan
Presented by FRANCK MULLER
ART | Hom Nguyen
French artist Hom Nguyen, known for his unique lines and colors to depict human faces and expressions, is visiting Japan for the first time. He is currently holding his solo exhibition, "Hom Nguyen exhibition \"Human\"" in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. His portraits, created with sharp lines and overlapping curves, are abstract collections of lines up close, but reveal human faces when viewed from a few meters away, drawing global attention for this distinctive technique.
The Essence of Humanity Woven from Traces of Lines
Hom Nguyen, who boasts a distinguished career including being awarded the Knight of the French National Order of Arts and Letters, has recently released a collaboration watch with FRANCK MULLER. Furthermore, he is expanding his creative horizons by designing collector's stamps for the French Postal Service commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary French chanson singer Charles Aznavour.
Born in Paris in 1972 to Vietnamese parents, he has loved drawing since childhood.
"From the age of five or six, I was already drawing portraits of strangers. I drew all sorts of faces, old and young. I kept drawing wherever I was. On paper, of course, but also on school desks and all over the classroom."
For him, the inspiration for his creations is "humanity" itself.
"My inspiration is definitely there, and it comes from 'humans.' From the existence of people, and from this world we live in. I have always been drawn to human beings themselves. I have always carried questions like, 'What are we?' and 'What kind of beings are we?'"
The figures he depicts are not always based on real people. He often draws inspiration from shapes and patterns found in everyday life.
"The figures I draw are sometimes fictional. I often draw faces that don't exist, but sometimes they are of real people. I find faces in things around me, in the scenery seen through glasses, or in the wrinkles of trousers, and draw inspiration from them. But most of the time, they are people who do not exist."
Hom Nguyen's works are deeply imbued with the existence of humans and the trajectory of life. His portraits are not mere reproductions of appearance, but explorations into the essence of humanity.
"In the theme of \"Human,\" the trajectory of one life, multiple lives, and multiple worlds intersect. I always imbue them with a positive message. My works are a testament to respect and hope for human existence itself."
From a Chance Encounter with the President to the National Order of Arts and Letters
The characteristic of Hom Nguyen's work lies in its creation process. He says that the creation begins even before he faces the artwork.
"The most special moment is when I stand before a blank canvas. The moment I enter the studio, I am already dreaming of the work I am about to create. The process doesn't begin when I actually start working; it all begins before that. First, I envision it in my mind, I dream it, and then it appears on paper or canvas."
A major turning point in his career was meeting then-President François Hollande at a Paris art fair in 2016.
"It was all completely by chance. Something I truly never expected. I had the opportunity to meet François Hollande, the then-President of the French Republic. But even that wasn't planned; it was an event completely beyond my control."
The conversation with the President lasted about 15 minutes, after which the President posted about his work on Twitter, rapidly spreading Hom Nguyen's name.
"When you look at my work up close, it appears as just a collection of lines. But when you step back two or three meters, the lines gather and a face emerges. The way to view my work is precisely about that distance. At the time, I explained to the President, 'Up close, it's a trace; from afar, it's a face. That is my work.'"
In 2021, he was awarded the Knight of the French National Order of Arts and Letters. He speaks with deep emotion about this award.
"That moment was incredibly moving. For me, this medal is not just an honor; it is something special that embodies my own life and the lives of my parents. My parents emigrated from Vietnam to France during the war. That is why this medal is not just for me, but something I want to dedicate to my deceased parents, especially my mother. When I received this medal, I felt as if I had won an Olympic gold medal."
A Dream Collaboration with FRANCK MULLER
In 2023, a dream collaboration with the luxury watch brand FRANCK MULLER became a reality. Partnering with a brand he admired since his youth was a wish he had held for over 25 years.
"This was when I was 20 years old. I was obsessed with watches, but I had no money at all. My dream was to own a FRANCK MULLER watch."
The young Hom Nguyen acquired a FRANCK MULLER watch found on an auction site, but his financial situation worsened, leading him to trade the watch for a pizza chef's services. Twenty-five years later, he received a call from FRANCK MULLER's headquarters, initiating discussions for a collaboration.
"This collaboration is a fusion of my art world and the world of watches, two completely different realms."
When designing the collaboration watch, Hom Nguyen prioritized "color" and "irregular movement." He speaks about the evolution of his work towards greater color over the years and the reasons behind it.
"When I first started painting, my works were all monochrome. But in recent years, I've been increasingly drawn into the world of color. Now, I express those moments with color, feeling the joy of color and the pleasure of living. Therefore, the first theme for this collaboration for me is 'color.'"
Another element he valued was FRANCK MULLER's distinctive "Crazy Hours" mechanism. He relates this unique watch movement to his own way of life.
"The mechanism where the hands move irregularly, not in the usual order of a clock. I love this movement because it is my own life. I'm not good at making plans and I don't take notes. I'm the type to act the moment an idea strikes me. So, I feel my way of life and energy in this slightly chaotic flow of time."
Respect for Japan and Thoughts on His First Solo Exhibition
For Hom Nguyen, Japan holds a special significance. His connection with Japan dates back about 20 years.
"I hold a deep respect from the bottom of my heart for Japan. About 20 years ago, I visited Japan alone. At the time, I was studying tattooing, and I came to Japan to see firsthand the work of renowned tattoo artists in Tokyo. Their techniques were completely different from today; they used traditional methods, tattooing with a single needle rather than a tattoo machine (gun). For me, experiencing that craftsmanship was a very important experience."
After that, his career evolved into shoemaking.
"My career actually began with shoemaking. While working for prestigious houses like Berluti and Crockett & Jones, I became fascinated with painting on shoes. Gradually, instead of just painting on leather, I began experimenting with techniques to infuse ink as if tattooing. To master that technique, I wanted to return to Japan."
The current exhibition, "Hom Nguyen exhibition \"Human\"" features original paintings and drawings created in France, along with original skate deck artworks for sale. A special exhibition of the collaboration watch with FRANCK MULLER (※ now concluded) is also being held. The "Human" series on display is a collection of works that encapsulate his philosophy on human existence and life.
"1/1 4172" (One 4172), the commercial building in Minami-Aoyama where the artworks are displayed, is a real estate x art fusion project jointly undertaken by Sun Frontier Fudosan, a leading real estate regeneration company, and Beams International, which handles fashion centered on street culture. Hom Nguyen's iconic "Human" artwork adorns the exterior walls, becoming an icon that colors the streets of Aoyama.
"Every piece contains an explosion of color. Here, with orange as the base, tones of red and bordeaux overlap, creating countless traces of lines. It is precisely the trajectory of human life. The title of the work, \"Human,\" symbolizes this flow of life and emotions."
"I am extremely pleased and honored to be able to hold an exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. This event, titled \"Human,\" will be an opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of our experiences. I am very grateful for Japanese culture, which has always inspired me. Through my work, I hope to explore the 'bonds' that connect people, while highlighting the beauty and depth of Japanese tradition."
Hom Nguyen exhibition "Human"
Period: Until Sunday, March 30
Hours: 12:00 - 18:00 (Last day until 17:00)
*Advance reservation required. Please book via the link on the website below (reservations must be made by 6 PM the day before your desired visit).
Venue: 1/1 4172
4-17-2 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission: Free
