Throughout life, the reality of the human condition is subjected to contingencies. Only the determination that each have makes that, whatever the initial human resources, the will of man emerges naturally and allows him to take over the difficulties.
It is at the crossroads of these ideas that the artist Hom Nguyen met Jean-Marc Mormeck.
The question that the viewer can ask is : what mastery and experience of art techniques, mediums and brush have in common with the nature and essence of the world of boxing ? These two worlds seemingly unrelated, when combined, appear naturally complementary. Jean-Marc Mormeck and Hom Nguyen find each other through theirlives punctuated by hard work, passion, dedication and unconditional generosity. Their worlds are different, but their paths converge by the same tenacious fervor that makes them surpass themselves every day, in the face of adversity.
Through intensity, tension and perpetual tenacity of this willingness to always try to do better, a connection is established beyond mere technical mastery where nobility of boxing and art dimension are freed.
Life is a battle of every moment. The ring appearsas a theater where exchange and ordinary coexist. Facing the common, the look is always challenging by the sublime. That same look, this strength of mind and this sense of combat go from the ring to Hom Nguyen’s works. Living his gesture, enlightening and giving coherence to his commitment. Jean-Marc Mormeck is the first inspiration for the artist thinking about the history and values of boxing. From Sugar Ray Robinson to Muhammad Ali, through George Foreman and Marcel Cerdan, Hom’s portraits follow the lines of twenty most important boxing figures history.
Punching bags, sweat odor, strength, each portrait is inhabited by a sensation of contrast between color and light specific to each character and history.
With Hom Nguyen, art and it expression are not clear and frozen by time but constantly moving like the gestures of boxing, strong and violent. Line regularity echoes the vivacity of ink and creation crazy gestures.
So many movements that give rhythm to these portraits as the breath of battle and victory into the ring. The strength of the ink penetrates the material thus coming inhabit this small pantheon and transcend identity and legend of these champions who remain such a duty of memory in the history of boxing.
There is no real opposition between aesthetic and commitment. Art feeds on a social and political dimension. The artist will more easily tend to move than claim to neutrality.
“ Is it enough just to be quiet to be appreciated ? “
Hom Nguyen’s work invites us to think on contemporary themes, benefiting from a new perspective and a new look.
Through his creations, the wind of a new scene and hopes of new generations seem to blow on contemporary art.