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Writer's pictureMonica Blignaut

Vanha Lam

Artist 329

Vanha Lam

Abstract Minimalism Sculptural paintings


Artist Vanha Lam
Artist Vanha Lam

Vanha Lam is a sculptural artist known for her minimalistic sculptural paintings. She is influenced by minimalism and architecture. She currently lives and works in New York City


Sculptural painting installation by Artist Vanha Lam
Sculptural painting installation by Vanha Lam

When asked on her creative process Lam explains, “I always start with limitations. This provides a structure for me to navigate within. I then establish a boundary and see how far it can be pushed. Or build a framework and see how many ways it can break. It’s a delicate balance between order and chaos, intention and intuition. First, set the scene, then let the materials, process, or environment intervene. This is what I mean by ‘a controlled collapse’.”


Close up of Sculptural paintings by Vanha Lam
Close up of Sculptural paintings by Vanha Lam


Lam was drawn to painting from her desire to extend concepts she had developed from her background in architecture and design into a new medium.


“It reacts in its own way, like all materials do, which is a quality I’m drawn to.” -Vanha Lam


Sculptural painting by Vanha Lam
Sculptural painting by Vanha Lam

On inspiration Lam explains, “My path has never been a linear one. I studied fields ranging from literature, philosophy, science, architecture, to design, which led to the realization that vast networks exist between seemingly disparate fields. These invisible systems of potential are what inspire me.”


Working with a neutral palette Lam focuses on manipulating shapes. Her sculptural paintings use positive and negative space where she folds her material to create another layer to her work.


Studio shot of artist Vanha Lam’s art
Studio shot of artist Vanha Lam’s art

She uses geometry and uses the imperfections she makes to represent symbolic representation. Her act of deforming her paintings destabilizes them creating imperfections which in turn make the paintings more interesting.

Detail of  Sculptural painting by artist Vanha Lam
Detail of Sculptural painting by artist Vanha Lam

When asked on what Vanha Lam hopes to convey in her art she explains, “To question and imagine what different worlds could be like. It’s important for me that the audience is aware their experience matters. Art is what happens to the viewer.”


Sculptural paintings by artist Vanha Lam
Sculptural paintings by artist Vanha Lam

Studio shot of artist Vanha Lam’s art
Studio shot of artist Vanha Lam’s art

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