Lan Nguyen-hoan

Pillars of Hope is a series of four miniature monolith-like forms that represent different ways of experiencing the notion of hope.

The trees and roots, hand cut and beaten from copper wire, allude to a natural landscape beyond the perimeter of the golden circle that frames each pillar’s footprint.

Named according to its shape, each pillar is also a reference to an unspoken narrative of a traveller lost in a forest, trying to find their way – searching for a sense of hope. First comes the Presence of Hope, a feeling of hopefulness begins. Then, a Step towards Hope symbolises a deliberate decision to be hopeful. Following, an Inclination of Hope represents an ongoing tendency to maintain hope. And finally, there is the Threshold between Hope and Fear, this pillar is more complex and refers to the nexus of emotions one may experience when faced with uncertainty.

Lan Nguyen-hoan’s work explores landscapes of the soul and mind, utilising skills attained during undergraduate studies in gold and silversmithing. Lan acquired a Bachelor of Visual Arts with First Class Honours, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Arts, both from the Australian National University, School of Art. In addition, Lan also has a formal education in 3D animation, Industrial Design and Architecture. While undertaking practice-led research, Lan was awarded several scholarships and awards coinciding with her participation in numerous exhibitions. In 2021, Lan was selected as a finalist in the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize and was awarded Highly Commended.

Presence of Hope, 2022
Acrylic, copper, stainless steel, enamel paint, graphite
$400

Step towards Hope, 2022
$425

Inclination of Hope, 2022
$350

Threshold between Hope and Fear, 2022
$450

Image (Top): Lan Nguyen-hoan, Pillars of Hope Series, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of the artist