One Zionsville resident is promoting creativity new through conceptual art.
Artist Jimmy Tran, 27, specializes in conceptual concepts, which he conveys in a variety of ways.
“Art is one of the most subjective things in this world,” Tran said. “What I consider art might not be called art to some, but others would call me a conceptual artist.”
Tran said conceptual art is expressed in many forms, where the idea or concept presented by the artist is considered more important than its appearance or execution.
A Zionsville Community High School graduate, Tran started exploring conceptual art after visiting Vietnam.
“That trip to Vietnam gave me a chance to experience a whole new world of art and storytelling,” Tran said.
Tran has since been hosting conceptual art events to bring people in the art community together to collaborate artistically.
“My goal is to combine all art forms and make it my own,” he said. “I like to create events where all creatives are welcome to participate.”
Tran’s most recent project was a post-apocalyptic fashion show in 2022 at Fountain Square in Indianapolis. He worked with local designers Lotus and S.L.I.M. to bring a new world of fashion and art to life that was open to the public.
The “1221 Universe”-themed fashion show featured a comic book-like design of upcycled clothes, which Tran said were old clothes turned into something new and more valuable than the original. Tran and his production team designed the clothes. The models wore designs following a storyline of superheroes on a mission to become stars.
Jabu Ngoma, a film director, was among the collaborative artists who attended the show.
“Jimmy pushed me creatively to be a better version of myself,” Ngoma said. “He’s helped so many other people push forward to becoming creative.”
The event drew nearly 200 emerging artists, including aspiring models, designers and photographers, who all volunteered to be part of the artistic event.
“Everyone that played a part in the fashion show was there to do collaborative work,” Tran said. “Building a community of people willing to help each other bring our dreams and visions to reality is my passion and purpose.”
The show inspired a “Please, I’m a star” design that Tran has used on bags, T-shirts and sweatshirts.
“Jimmy has the vision for the future, and everything he does has many layers and messages,” said Themba, a musical artist from LA.
When he’s not hosting fashion shows, Tran creates conceptual art and donates items to people in need, including a recently in Indianapolis where he dressed as Batman for an event that helped people experiencing homelessness.
“I just want people to be happy, and by creating art through telling a story that day, we were we able to contribute to the community but also bring happiness to those that needed it,” Tran said.
Tran said conceptual art has allowed him to build a community of people who have learned from each other.
“I’m so big on helping artists and creatives grow because they also help me to grow,” Tran said. “It takes an army of people who support each other and have the same goals to achieve this type of art.”
Tran said he wants to continue inspiring other artists to continue making and creating art by hosting more events.
For more, visit 1221creativestudio.com.
