Ly Nguyen

Nguyen Ly is a Los Angeles-based printmaker and art educator whose work reflects both technical mastery and a deep engagement with cultural identity. Trained in multiple printmaking methods, Ly specializes in techniques such as monoprint and drypoint, often experimenting with layers of texture, tone, and mark-making to explore narrative and abstraction. His practice demonstrates a sensitivity to material and process, allowing each print to hold both immediacy and subtlety.

Born in Saigon and raised in Los Angeles, Ly carries with him a bicultural perspective that informs his art. His lived experience navigating Vietnamese heritage within the multicultural fabric of Los Angeles provides a distinctive lens through which he approaches subject matter, symbolism, and form. This background not only enriches his own creative vision but also connects his work to broader conversations about migration, identity, and community within contemporary printmaking.

Ly is a member of Mono Grafico Colectivo, a diverse collective of printmakers committed to collaborative creation and cultural dialogue. The group’s work emphasizes the role of printmaking as both a communal and democratic art form, one that is accessible yet capable of profound expression. Through this collective, Ly has participated in exhibitions and projects that reflect the rich mix of cultures that define Los Angeles, blending personal storytelling with broader social and cultural themes.

As an art educator, Ly extends his practice into teaching, sharing his knowledge of printmaking with emerging artists and students. His dual role as artist and teacher underscores his commitment to sustaining the traditions of printmaking while fostering innovation in the next generation.