Van Gogh Tribute Award

Welcome to the Van Gogh Tribute Awards, an international celebration of artistic excellence that attracted around 200 entries from talented artists worldwide. This prestigious award honors artists who channel the spirit of Vincent van Gogh in their work. The jury board, faced with the challenging task of selecting winners from such a diverse and skilled pool, was seeking creators who truly understand Van Gogh’s artistic philosophy—those who reflect his passion, emotional depth, and fearless exploration of color and form. Through careful deliberation, the board chose artists whose work embodies Van Gogh’s unique blend of concept, style, and vibrant color combinations, capturing the essence of his visionary approach to art.

Winner: Rania Abulhasan (Kuwait)

Interview with Rania Abulhasan

What inspired you to pursue a career in art, and how has your style evolved over the years?

My journey into art began as a deeply personal exploration of how much—or how little—was needed to convey an idea, emotion, or moment. I’ve always been fascinated by the fundamental simplicity of shapes, colors, and materials and how they interact with their surroundings. Over the years, my style has evolved into a pursuit of balance and reduction, striving to distill each piece to its essence without losing its depth or mystery. This evolution has been guided by a desire to create artworks that radiate calm, peace, and serenity while maintaining a subtle tension that keeps them alive and engaging.

How do you approach the creative process when beginning a new piece? Do you follow a specific routine or let intuition guide you?

My creative process is a blend of intuition and thoughtful exploration. I don’t begin with a rigid plan; instead, I allow the piece to reveal itself as I engage with the materials and forms. It’s about finding a balance between intention and spontaneity, letting the work guide me as much as I guide it. Often, I start with an idea of the emotions or concepts I want to convey, but the journey unfolds through each brushstroke, adjustment, and interaction with the canvas. This intuitive approach allows me to stay open to unexpected possibilities, ensuring each piece feels authentic and alive.

Can you share the personal significance behind “Equanimity”? What emotions or ideas were you aiming to convey?

'Equanimity' was born from a desire to capture a sense of calm and inner stillness, reflecting the delicate balance we all seek in life. I wanted to explore how simple forms, colors, and textures could evoke a grounding experience, offering a moment of peace amidst the chaos. The piece is about finding harmony in the seemingly ordinary, revealing that even in simplicity, there’s a profound beauty and depth. It embodies the idea of being fully present, embracing serenity while acknowledging the subtle tensions that make life so rich and dynamic.

What role does nature, society, or personal experience play in shaping the themes of your artwork?

Nature, society, and personal experience all play a significant role in shaping my work, but it's often the universal concepts they represent that truly resonate with me. Nature offers endless lessons in form, rhythm, and proportion, while society provides a backdrop of contrast, structure, and the dynamic interplay of energies. My personal experiences are woven into the process, influencing how I approach each piece, yet I aim to distill these influences into something more fundamental. The goal is to create artworks that transcend the personal, capturing themes of balance, harmony, and the essence of existence that feel relatable and grounding to anyone who engages with them.

How do you feel about the intersection of technology and traditional art forms? Has this influenced your work in any way?

I find the blend of technology and traditional art forms intriguing, as it opens up new possibilities for exploration. While I stay rooted in hands-on, traditional techniques, technology offers a way to expand my approach and reach. It enhances my process, but the core of my work remains in the direct interaction with materials, where true expression emerges.

Who are the artists (past or contemporary) that you admire, and how have they influenced your artistic journey?

I greatly admire artists like Constantin Brâncuși and Giorgio Morandi, who had an extraordinary ability to distill form to its purest essence. Their work teaches the beauty of restraint and how simplicity can be deeply evocative. Contemporary artists such as Anish Kapoor, who explore form, space, and perception, also inspire me to push the boundaries of how art interacts with its surroundings. These influences have shaped my journey, encouraging me to create with intention and clarity.

Winning the Van Gogh Tribute Award is a tremendous achievement—how do you think this recognition will impact your future work and artistic goals?

Winning the Van Gogh Tribute Award is an incredible honor, and it reinforces my commitment to exploring the themes of balance, simplicity, and essence in my work. This recognition encourages me to continue pushing the boundaries of my artistic journey, trusting even more in my intuitive approach. It serves as a reminder to stay true to my vision while also inspiring me to explore new possibilities, refine my techniques, and delve deeper into the concepts that resonate most deeply with me.

What message or emotions do you hope people take away when they view your art?

I hope my art offers viewers a sense of calm, balance, and introspection. I want each piece to be a grounding experience, inviting them to pause and connect with the beauty of simplicity and stillness. At the same time, I aim to leave a hint of mystery—something that encourages them to explore the subtle nuances and relationships within the work, finding their own meaning and connection.

Honorable Mentions: