Oil Painting

Catherine Nguyen-Hoang

Catherine’s paintings begin with something real—a gesture, a shadow, an object, a memory. She paints the familiar not to distort it, but to reveal the deeper stories they quietly hold.

Artist Profile

Catherine’s paintings begin with something real—a gesture, a shadow, an object, a memory. She paints the familiar not to distort it, but to reveal the deeper stories they quietly hold.

Catherine Nguyen-Hoang is a contemporary artist whose paintings begin with something real—a gesture, a shadow, a memory. She paints the familiar not to distort it, but to reveal the deeper stories they quietly hold.

Working primarily in oils, Catherine explores themes of memory, identity, and emotional weight through a lens that blends realism with subtle surrealism. Her compositions often feature everyday objects and spaces, transformed by context and metaphor to evoke inner tension, cultural complexity, and lived experience.

Catherine’s work has been recognised in several national art prizes, including the National Emerging Art Prize, the SALA Don Dunstan Foundation Awards, and the Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize. Her paintings have been acquired through private commissions and one is currently on display at the University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I’ve experimented with many mediums, but I always gravitate towards oils. For me, it’s not just about the final product—it’s about the process and the stories layered onto the canvas over a period of time. This extended process gives me space to reflect on my thoughts while building character, depth, and dimension in my final works.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

I find the concept stage the hardest to plan. I need to find something to paint that speaks to me—but also speaks a story. I paint intentionally and choose my content purposefully. I aim to depict the familiar in unfamiliar ways, whether through surreal elements or by carefully selecting objects that hold deeper meaning and reflect a story or lived experience.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

My life is a bit chaotic so you will find me working on all aspects of my art whenever and wherever I can. Whether it’s between school runs, during a packed work schedule, or in the car at sports training. I’m always jotting down ideas, making plans, and working towards my next piece whenever I get a moment.