Reporter (PV): Hello artist Kim Duẩn. Currently, in the bustling literary book market, publications are presented very beautifully and impressively. We see that the book covers designed by you account for a large number. It seems that you have "moved" beyond the children's book segment, which is your main strength?
Artist Kim Duẩn (KD): I don’t dare to say what my strengths are. I can only say that I have always been interested in designing literary book covers. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to design many book covers for children, and recently I have been entrusted with book covers for adult readers. Every time I go to a new land, I get to discover a work somewhere, and discover myself.
PV: From a painter specializing in creating pictures for children, what opportunity made you break into the field of literature and culture for adults?
KD: I don’t absolutely force myself into any field. Wherever fate takes me, I try my best. I don’t like the word breakthrough. For me, it’s just a natural transition. Every year I get older, I have new experiences, and I realize that I am capable of better appreciating works for adult readers. I still love children, but what if the brightness and innocence in my drawings gradually fades away?
PV: Some writers say that Kim Duẩn is the most beautiful book cover artist today. Do you think this comment is too favorable?
KD: First of all, let me thank you for that favor. But honestly, even though I put my heart and soul into my work, I have had successes and failures.
PV: In your opinion, what is the most difficult thing when designing covers for Vietnamese literary works?
KD: I usually look at the advantages first. Vietnamese literature is closer to me than foreign literature, that's for sure. The difficulty, in my opinion, is expressing the local spirit in the work, plus the more modern design.
PV: What do you think we need to keep in mind to capture the spirit of the work and accurately reproduce that message on the book cover?
KD: What I think may not be what other artists think. Each artist will have their own way of developing a book cover. Not to be modest, but I am not as good at capturing the soul of a work as literary experts. I just try to spend time reading the work and then pick up what I like and what I feel is important. When I draw awkwardly, everything is obvious on the cover, there is no way to hide it.
Some book covers designed by Kim Duan.
PV: Can you share an unforgettable memory and valuable lesson learned while designing a book cover?
KD: When designing covers or illustrating children's books, I pay attention to detail. I kept that habit when designing covers for adult readers, and as a result, many covers did not meet the requirements. Later, I realized that in this field, the more concise the cover, the longer it is remembered.
PV: Do you think that a true professional artist must have a grand solo exhibition? Do you plan to organize your own exhibition?
KD: I just think that solo exhibitions, no matter the scale, are something that artists cherish in their hearts. I have thought about solo exhibitions, but the distance from idea to implementation is not close enough for me to confirm anything. Everything is still in the future!
PV: Thank you!
Source: https://nhandan.vn/bia-cang-co-dong-cang-goi-nho-lau-post320193.html
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