MADRID | SPAIN
In the world of art, where the boundaries of media, culture, and emotions continually intertwine, Viet Ha Tran stands as a brilliant example of creative hybridity. Born in the vibrant city of Hanoi and now residing in Madrid, Viet Ha merges the introspective elegance of Vietnamese culture with the fiery passion of Spain’s artistic heritage. Her transformation from a financial professional to a celebrated artist reflects not only her courage to follow her heart but also her remarkable ability to translate personal stories into universal visual languages.
In this exclusive interview, Viet Ha shares how her cultural roots, love for nature, fascination with philosophy, and inspiration from Old Masters shape her artistry. Her creations are not merely reflections of the world around her but also profound inner landscapes a realm where the harmony of nature, poetry, and human connection converge into timeless works of art.
Your transformation from a financial professional to a recognized artist is truly inspiring. What motivated you to leave the corporate world and dedicate yourself to art, and how have those experiences shaped your artistic expression?
After over 15 years in the corporate world across three countries, I found myself yearning for something deeper and more personal. While I thrived in a structured, results-driven environment, I always felt disconnected from my true self. Embracing art was my way of honoring the call of my heart, and I’m grateful to now spend each day doing something that feels profoundly meaningful. The corporate world shaped me in unexpected ways. It instilled discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience qualities that are invaluable in the challenging path of an artist. Navigating rejection, uncertainty, and financial instability as a freelancer demands immense perseverance, much like running a startup. My business background has been a powerful asset, helping me balance the creative and logistical aspects of my career and ensuring my art reaches a global audience without compromising its authenticity.
Born in Hanoi and now living and creating in Madrid, how have your Vietnamese roots and life in different cultures influenced your perception of the world and the way you create art?
Growing up in Hanoi deeply connected me to the traditions, aesthetics, and spirituality of Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese art often carries profound, hidden meanings that require contemplation to uncover a quality that has profoundly influenced my creative process.
Living in Madrid introduced me to a vibrant, contrasting cultural landscape. Spain's bold artistic heritage, from Velázquez to Picasso, inspired me to embrace experimentation and emotional expressiveness. The interplay between these cultures Vietnam’s introspective elegance and Spain’s fiery passion has shaped my artistic vision, allowing me to weave Eastern philosophies with Western techniques.
My work often bridges these worlds. Many viewers have told me that, even when my art depicts Western contexts or models, it carries an unmistakable depth they associate with Asian sensibilities. This duality enriches my creations, inviting audiences to explore themes of beauty and connection through an intercultural lens.
Your works exude a poetic and dreamlike atmosphere. Which literary, artistic, or philosophical sources most inspire your work, and how does that inspiration manifest in your photographs?
I’m deeply inspired by painters and their masterpieces, particularly the Old Masters - Rubens and Rembrandt - their use of light is simply sublime. I’m also drawn to the rich colors of the Pre-Raphaelite painters, and landscape paintings from the Romanticism period, which exude a sense of tranquility that greatly influences my own landscape and nature photography.
My academic background also plays a role in shaping my artistic vision. My first university degree was in Anglo-Saxon and American Languages and Cultures, which sparked my passion for literature. Over time, I developed a deep interest in Asian philosophy, English and French classic literature, and mystical Persian poetry - all of which have since become integral elements in my art.
Another source of inspiration for me is music, especially in languages I don’t understand such as Arabic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi. I often listen to music while creating art, allowing it to shape the mood and atmosphere of my work.
Since 2018, you've begun exploring abstract painting. What drew you to this medium, and how has it contributed to the development of your artistic vocabulary?
Abstract painting offers me a liberating and immediate form of expression that photography could not always provide. I am particularly drawn to fluid abstract techniques, where paint flows and interacts almost organically, creating patterns that mimic nature’s randomness and order. This process felt deeply connected to my philosophy of Taoism. Taoism teaches us to live in harmony with nature and the universe, finding peace in aligning with the natural order. Through fluid painting techniques, I bring these ideals to life on canvas, using swirling colors, soft gradients, and organic forms to evoke a sense of flow and balance.
For me, fluid art is all about spontaneity. I love the unpredictability of the medium, Every painting is a unique expression of a momento - an emotional burst that reflects my inner world and my belief in the harmony between humans and nature. It’s not just about what you see but also what you feel when you experience the artwork.
Painting has become a meditative practice for me, a space where I can translate feelings into visual forms without the constraints of representation. It has enriched my artistic journey, adding depth and versatility to my body of work.
Series like "Ecosystems" and "Wall of Nature" highlight your deep connection with nature. How do nature and travel inspire your creativity, and what messages do you wish to convey through these works?
In recent years, my artistic focus significantly, transitioning from the portraits of beauty and human emotions to capturing the serene and impressionist beauty of nature through my lens. My recent Works such as "Ecosystem" (2015) and "Wall of Nature" (2019 - ongoing), “Colors of the Rain” (2024) while transforming nature photographs into impressionist and abstract pieces of art, display a profound connection to the natural world, emphasizing themes of sustainability and environmental awareness.
The core message of these works is the urgency of environmental protection. Through my art, I aim to remind viewers of the sacredness of nature and the need to preserve it for future generations. At the same time, these series are a celebration of nature’s ability to heal and inspire us, encouraging a renewed sense of wonder and responsibility.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Royal Photographic Society of Spain, you make a significant contribution to the artistic community. How do you use this role to support other artists and promote photography as an art form?
Before joining the Royal Photographic Society, I donated multiple artworks to charity auctions in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Spain over the past few years, raising approximately 20,000€ for various NGOs. I think there is a great deal of initiatives that can be done through art to help contribute to the society.
Being part of the Royal Photographic Society of Spain is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the growth and recognition of photography as an art form. My goal is to support emerging and passionate photographers through initiatives such as photography festivals, exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Your book Like a Painting: Through the Eyes of the Soul represents an important milestone in your career. What can readers expect from this publication, and what new projects are you currently working on?
The publication of my debut book "Like a Painting: Through the Eyes of the Soul" is truly a dream come true. I had hoped to publish an art book for many years, and this represents a heartfelt tribute to my art collectors, art lovers, and all the people who have supported my work from the very beginning. The book features a carefully curated selection of my photographic works, illustrating how I’ve evolved as an artist from portrait photography to abstract photography.
Looking ahead, I am currently working on a new series inspired by Vietnam’s landscapes and cultural heritage. Through these projects, I aim to explore the coexistence of ancient traditions and modern life, capturing the timeless beauty of my homeland. I am also mesmerized by Spanish landscapes and hope to work on a book on the beautiful landscapes of Spain, my third home country.
Recognized as one of the "200 Influential Global Leaders of Vietnam," how do such honors affect you and your art, and how do they motivate you for future endeavors?
I was honored to be nominated by the Vietnam Embassy in Spain as a prominent Vietnamese citizen, representing the Vietnamese community living in Spain.
This recognition is both a great honor and a profound responsibility. It inspires me to push further, to make a positive contribution to Vietnam’s global identity, and to create art that highlights the richness and beauty of my home country.
Among the works I am most proud of are some fashion photography collections I shot in Vietnam, such as The Golden Imprint and The Soul of Vietnam, which have been highly praised by art collectors and curators. Having lived away from Vietnam for more than 20 years, I feel an ever-deepening desire to explore and integrate Vietnamese art and culture into my creations.
Recently, I have focused my travels across Vietnam on capturing its landscapes and cultural heritage, with a special emphasis on environmental conservation. I’ve visited breathtaking locations like Ninh Bình, Sa Pa, Huế, and Mỹ Sơn. In the future, I plan to photograph many more places to allow a global audience to experience the beauty of Vietnam through the lens of a Vietnamese artist.
How do you define success in art, and what would you like the audience to feel or understand when they engage with your work?
My definition of success has evolved over time. At the start of my artistic journey, I equated success with having my work recognized by art curators or featured in notable publications.
Today, for me, success in art is about creating meaningful connections. It is not measured by awards or commercial achievements but by the emotions and reflections my work inspires in others. I hope my art encourages people to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the world around them.
Over the years, art collectors have shared deeply encouraging words with me, such as: “Thank you, Viet Ha, this artwork is so beautiful it fills our space with positive energy through its bright, vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the darkness we sometimes see in the world.” Those kinds of connections mean everything to me now.
To me, success also means being willing to leave behind what you've been doing well and successfully, and daring to dive into the unknown exploring new artistic territories.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the evolution of art and photography in the digital age, and how do you plan to adapt to these changes?
In my recent article, The Future of Creating, Collecting, and Curating Visual Arts, published by IE University’s Ideas to Shape the Future, I shared my thoughts on the increasing role of AI and digital tools in the art world.
The digital age is revolutionizing art, introducing groundbreaking tools like AI, virtual reality, and NFTs that greatly expand creative possibilities. While I embrace these innovations, I firmly believe the true essence of art lies in its ability to connect with people on a deeply human level and to create unique, original works that have never been seen before. AI, while impressive, cannot replace human creativity or emotions, as it relies on existing information it has been trained on rather than generating entirely original thought or feeling. For this reason, I am deeply committed to exploring artisanal, handmade, and other traditional methods of creating art, ensuring that the authenticity and soul of the artistic process remain intact.
Viet Ha Tran’s journey through the world of art reveals the extraordinary power of art to connect people, cultures, and philosophies. Her ability to bridge Eastern and Western traditions, transform nature into abstract poetry, and inspire environmental awareness through her works makes her a voice that resonates with audiences around the globe.
As an artist who constantly explores the boundaries of expression be it through photography, abstract painting, or even future digital tools Viet Ha reminds us that art is not just a visual experience but also an invitation to deeper introspection and collective responsibility. Her creations leave an indelible mark, encouraging us to cherish the beauty of the world and to preserve it for generations to come.
Photos: Viet Ha Tran