Artist Bio

Hieu Nguyen, artistically known as kelogsloops, is an Australian artist who delves into introspective themes, exploring dreams, the subconscious and the surreal. Often emotively charged, his paintings are intended to feel like glimpses into intimate, fleeting moments of his subject matter. His works invite viewers to immerse themselves in the quiet narratives woven into his art, offering a view into an ethereal world. 

Influenced by music, film, and video games, Hieu’s artistic journey began in childhood, where he often lost himself in sketchbooks, drawing inspiration from manga, video games and media shared by his older brothers. It wasn’t until late high school and early adulthood that he began refining his craft with greater intention, studying the works of masters such as Monet, Gustav Klimt, and Alphonse Mucha, alongside contemporary artists like Lois van Baarle, Yoshitaka Amano, Agnes Cecile, Anna Dittman, and James Jean.

Over time, Hieu developed a signature style that blends traditional and digital techniques, weaving dimensionality throughout his compositions. These works are often characterised by gilded gold leaf accents, flat graphic elements, stark negative space, expressive watercolour abstractions, and delicately rendered figures in soft realism. His paintings have been exhibited in both group and solo shows worldwide, with frequent showcases in Los Angeles, New York, and Melbourne. In recent years, his work has also entered the realm of Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering, contributing several artworks to the iconic franchise.

Beyond his own artistic practice, Hieu is a passionate advocate for art education. Since the early stages of his career, he has shared his creative journey transparently, offering in-depth process insights across his social media platforms, which have garnered a following of over two million. His commitment to education has expanded into global watercolour workshops, where he aims to challenge the perception of watercolour as merely a hobbyist’s medium. Through his teaching, he hopes to inspire both art enthusiasts and professionals alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the medium. His artistic philosophy is embodied in his personal motto: “be right back, chasing dreams.”