Jenny Vong (they/them) aka @fairiesrepose on Instagram is a Toronto based painter whose work seeks to cultivate raw emotion through intense expressionism. Jenny focuses on communicating and connecting through the language of bodies and figurative paintings. By delving into the complexities of the human psyche, their work sheds light on the many facets of the human experience.
Vong was born in Vietnam, and resided for eleven years before immigrating to Canada with their family in 2013 and settling in Hamilton, Ontario for seven years. Beginning their journey as an artist in Toronto in 2020, and currently studying at OCAD University, majoring in Drawing & Painting to further explore their artistic practice and emerging journey as a creative.
Jenny’s artistic vision is characterized by the expressive use of colours and forms that often contrast the subject matter. They experiment with various mediums, including acrylics, oils, spray paint, pastels, and charcoal.
“Animal Studies”
Jenny’s early works predominantly analyzed the human form and studied movements and expression to convey emotions through their work. However, after focusing on human bodies for years, they found themselves feeling stagnant and lacking inspiration:
“I realized that my artistic perspective needed a change, through various referencing of animal pictures and studying them – I’m exploring the beauty and complexity of the animal kingdom, seeking to capture their unique expressions and movements in my art. By studying the natural language of animal bodies, I am discovering new ways to convey emotion and meaning through my work. My aim is to evoke a sense of connection and wonder between the viewer and the animal world, expanding the boundaries of my artistic practice.” – Jenny Vong
Photos Courtesy of Jenny Vong
Acrylic & pastels on 4×4 ft canvas.
“This one pushed me out of my comfort zone to explore what could be more. Spontaneity has pushed me to the possibility of exploring ideas that may be perceived as ‘risky’ to others. I think & not think about the consequences that may affect me. I’d rather take the risk and go along with it. For me, it’s important to act on the urge to make something when it arises. My child-like qualities show my curiosity about all possibilities of making and creating. Don’t be intimidated by the risks, Get excited about the unknown and all the ideas you’ve got. My painting and words spilling on canvas act as an extension of who I am and how I’m experiencing the world around me. Intentional or not, my works tend to deliver an indirect intimate experience to the watcher/art consumer/looker/glancer.”
– Jenny Vong
Acrylic, oil, charcoal & pastel on gold frame 20×24′ canvas.
“My artistic practice involves writing daily through journaling and writing poems when I’m not painting. A form of self-expression to keep my brain wired and keep that connection between the world of words and the world of visuals.”
“The excerpt from ‘the duality of a GOAT’ transcribes the feeling of being trapped in a person/muse for so long that it pushes me to explore and find myself. These two paintings really took a day in total to finish but I prolonged this project for 2 months while I recollected myself. I was stepping away from painting to take on side quests and recharge/rejuvenate myself. As these paintings feel finished and I, myself feel whole. These 2 paintings reflect my journey of self-actualization, to be completed again, loving altogether.”
– Jenny Vong
Acrylic, oil, charcoal & pastel on 24×24’ canvas.
Acrylic, charcoal & pastels on 32×35.5′ canvas.
charcoal 32×35.5′ canvas.
Acrylic, charcoal & pastels on 28×28′ canvas.
Pastels on 28×28′ canvas.
Acrylic, charcoal & pastels on 29×34′ canvas.
Pastels on 29×34′ canvas.
Acrylic, charcoal & pastels on 54X42′ black linen.
“Tulips have always been my favorite flowers since I began to remember yellows especially, holding an endearing sight and sense of comfort.
I wish to lay in a field of tulips and watch the sun rises till it sets forever & I’ll be happy but until then, I’ll reimagine and paint them, draw them for myself, and write to the people I love.”
– Jenny Vong
Acrylic, charcoal & pastels on 54X42′ black linen.
Additional information can be found through the website jennyvong.ca, Instagram (@fairiesrepose), or email [email protected]
Sydney Goldhawk is a Freelance Stylist currently living in Toronto.
With a love for all things vintage and runway, her perspective draws heavily from her fascination with the synchronicity she observes between modern aesthetics and references to the past.