Dongni Hou - Art Studio Portraits & Interview
↟ Paris, France ↟ Creatives Session & Interview ↟
Dongni (Douni) Hou is recognized for her striking and empowering paintings of women and girls as warriors and medieval knights, oftentimes accompanied by wild animals. In a poetic depiction of femininity in a dark elegance; seamlessly blending strength and gentleness. Her studio isn’t just a workspace; it’s an extension of her art. Surrounded by her work in various stages of completion and by murals she’s painted on the very walls, the space fully immerses you in her world. The studio was alive with the energy of her process, each brushstroke adding depth to the stories her subjects seem to carry. The faces of hero’s of battles women often fight unrecognized and alone in. Documenting her work was a privilege, and I am honored to offer a glimpse of her art and the stories she brings to life.
↟ Follow her on Instagram: @douni_hou ↟
How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?
“I prefer to let people discover my art for themselves. Everyone sees something different through their own lens, and that’s what touches me the most.”
How long have you been painting and what has changed about you as an artist over time?
“I’ve been painting for over twenty years. I evolve my technique and style to become more mature, but painting remains my intimate companion, revealing my view of the world. What hasn’t changed is the soul of the people I portray.”
What do you hope for the viewers experience of your art to be?
“I’d like them to find themselves in my paintings, exploring their essence, past, and present. Childhood scents and forgotten memories would inspire them, along with the struggles they have never shared with anyone. My works aim to provoke thought rather than tell a story.”
Do you decide on a story or an identity for your projects before you paint? Are they ever inspired by real people?
“Yes, I often sense the personality of the portrait before visualizing it. My works are inspired by what I see and feel, manifesting on the canvas through deep emotions.”
Looking for a photographer in Paris to capture your creative project? As an American photographer in Paris, I specialize in portraits, live performance, and on location editorials. Creatives of all kinds and business owners are welcome!