Nguyen Tuan Khai, aka Kmon Nguyen, said he took up minimalist photography, which focuses on simplicity by using a minimal colors, shapes, lines, and textures, to bring simplicity to a world he says is far too complicated.

The photos taken by the 35-year-old artist appear simple at first, though Khai somehow manages to turn everyday objects – a glass of water, a pot of plants, folds of colored papers – into dazzling artistic subjects.

Khai’s first foray into minimalist photography was in December 2017 when he noticed how many beautiful, little moments he was missing on his way home every day, unlike the ‘trend themes’ such as scenery, portraits, and macro photography.

At first, Khai only sought to capture his own views through pictures of small but beautiful moments, unknowingly entering the world of ‘minimalist photography’, a school of art he had never heard of.

Daily life through the lens of Nguyen Tuan Khai.

As with other art forms, minimalist photography usually includes a subject and background, with the background serving as a contrast or compliment to the primary subject.

Khai said he is not sure of the moment when his enthusiasm for minimalist photography evolved into love.

“Life is becoming more and more complicated.  We should lead a simple life to feel more peaceful.  We need to scramble and hustle less,” he said.

Khai photography also serves as a visual representation of his ten years of experience working in architecture.

The man said he hopes his photographs can help more people learn about the minimalist style.

A young calligrapher demonstrates his work.

Minimalism reportedly emerged in Western art after the World War II, before blooming in the United States in the 1960s and early 1970s.

The school was first given different ‘graceful’ names before its followers settled on the term ‘minimalism’. What sets it apart from other styles is the minimal usage of colors, shapes, lines and textures in their compositions.

In photography, minimalist photographs seem monotonous. The photos consist of one or two main subjects that stand out against simple, detailed backdrops. The juxtaposition is used to convey condensed and profound messages, touching on certain feelings within the view.

In order to not disturb people and to keep the vibrancy of the little beautiful things, Khai usually shoots with a telephoto lens.

Following is the photos of minimalist style by Nguyen Tuan Khai:

A drink atop a wall easily becomes the subject of minimalist art

The colorful iron gate of a preschool