Artist Spotlight - John Trinh — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

My work is hybrid, diverse, versatile and thought provoking which transcends boundaries of styles, materials and media.

"Black, White Among Other Colors", 121.9 cm x 81.3 cm, Photoshop, 2026

Even though I had won many awards during my college years, I believe my professional journey as an independent artist began right after I graduated from The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California in 1997.

My first exhibitions were at Agora Gallery in NY, and Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art in Las Vegas while my work was featured in the International Contemporary Masters III art book.

"Moon Shadow Over Seabed", 91.4 cm x 69.5 cm, Photoshop, 2025.

Transitioning from traditional to digital painting, after more than 10 years working at Disney as a digital artist, is the pivotal point of my career. Embarking later in my life as an artist, time is of the essence. Digital media allows me to quickly realize multi-disciplinary ideas and color combinations.

"Night-scape From Above", 106.7 cm x 76.8 cm, Photoshop, 2026.

The creative choices, opportunities, and possibilities are limitless with digital media. I could creative unique visual imagery effectively that it would be very challenging and time consuming, if not impossible, with traditional media. Digital media is also a better fit for my lifestyle and financial situation.

"I In AI", 162.6 cm x 106.7 cm, Photoshop, 2023

I paint what I feel strongly about, and that could range from everyday things in life, political and cultural events, societal issues, love, relationships, personal thoughts, still life, ...

"Shattered Mirror", 106.7 cm x 71.1 cm, Photoshop, 2023.

The artists I admire and inspire me the most are Cezanne for his life experience as an artist, Michelangelo for his work ethics and skills, Leonardo DaVinci for his drawings and creativity, Rembrandt for his mastery of light and shadows, and John Lennon for his activism and musical talent. I also have to mention books such as Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky and The Red and the Black by Stendhal. 

"Castles In The Air", 162.6 cm x 106.7 cm, Photoshop, 2024.

I don't limit myself in one particular style. I use a style I think I will best achieve the idea/image I am pursuing. My style varies from graphic, realistic to abstract. I weave meaning, stories and contemplation into every piece.

"Love", 106.7 cm x 71.1 cm, Photoshop, 2025.

Artist Statement

“I always strive for my work to be more than mere decoration. It’s not just about creating something pretty for people’s living spaces; It’s about weaving meaning, stories, and contemplation into every piece. When viewers engage with my art, I want them to open themselves up to new ideas and experiences.

"In Love", 106.7 cm x 71.1 cm, Photoshop, 2025,

I fell in love with digital media the first day I switched from traditional painting. Although I sometimes miss the tactile experience of mixing colors and working on large canvases, I found digital media to be a worthwhile career migration. The creative choices, opportunities, and possibilities are endless.

"Dream Weaver", 76.2 cm x 101.6 cm, Photoshop, 2025.

With digital media, I can push boundaries, blend genres, and create unique visual imageries. Additionally, the eco-friendly nature of digital art aligns well with my lifestyle and financial situation.

"Mystical Fusion", 61.0 cm x 81.3 cm, Photoshop, 2022.

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “you see things, and you say, “Why?” But I dream things that never were, and I say, “Why not?” And as Georgia O’Keefe put it, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things that I have no words for.”

"Dark & Bright, Angels Of Mine", 121.9 cm x 96.5 cm, Photoshop, 2022.

Moreover, my artistic abilities aren’t confined to aesthetics alone. I dedicate my creativity to supporting causes that matter deeply to me and those around me. Whether it’s raising awareness about domestic violence, advocating for women’s rights, or shining a light on war crimes and child abuse, my art becomes a powerful voice for change.” - “Top 10 Contemporary Artists” art book, vol. 7, 2025 (Masters Of Today publications, London)

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