Roaring 90's: The Rise of Contemporary Vietnamese Art

Pre 1990's: A Brief History

In the early 20th century the French, who colonized Vietnam, created a seminal art school in Hanoi to train local artists.  "At the Time of Tet" was created in 1936 and is one of the early examples from the school.  The painting has Chinese influence as well as French, as many painters were becoming influenced by French impressionism.  The subject matter shows a time gone by, as the traditional Vietnamese new year (tet) is celebrated in full regale.  The participants, no doubt of mandarin class, represented the upper class in Vietnam prior to the communist revolution.

 

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Tran Bin Loc (1914-1941)

At the Time of Tet, 1936

oil on silk, 22" x 16.5"

Bruce Blowitz Collection

"Collective of Minority Workers" from 1958 was painted in the early stages of the communist revolution in a Northern Vietnamese province (possibly Pac Bo.)  It depicts field workers from the Tay hill tribe, who were co opted to partake in the revolution.  The work also illuminates French inspired impressionism, but in a uniquely historic Vietnamese scene.

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Hoang Tich Chu (1912-1998)

Collective of Minority Workers (study), 1958

oil on paper, 10.5" x 16"

Bruce Blowitz Collection

One of Vietnam's premier national artists, Bui Xuan Phai is known and cherished for his depiction of street scenes of Hanoi's old quarters.  A true people's artist with keen artistic instincts, his works have an uncanny ability to elicit moods and atmospheres that are particular to Hanoi.  He led a difficult life during Ho Chi Minh's communist era, for his art was not approved by the government and was not permitted to be exhibited publicly.  It is a pity that during his lifetime Phai's only encouragement came from family and friends, who often traded food and utility items for his artworks.

Bui Xuan Phai (1921-1988)

Old Street, 1982

gouache on paper, 14" x 18"

Amit May Collection

Another of Vietnam's premier national artists, Nguyen Tu Nghiem persevered the communist era to bring his unique vision of Vietnamese modern art.   Nghiem's influences go back centuries to traditional wood block prints, used in rural villages for festivals and celebrations.  This work is a simple yet sophisticated homage to the year of the dog.  His works invoke both the simplicity of woodblock prints and the multi perspectives of modernist cubism.

Nguyen Tu Nghiem (1922-)

Year of the Dog, 1994

gouache on rice paper, 11" x 13.5"

Amit May Collection

Similarly to "Year of the Dog" above, "Ancient Dance" appropriates wood block printing techniques juxtaposed with cubism.  The painting summons us to remember the traditional village dances of rural Vietnam.

Nguyen Tu Nghiem (1922-)

Ancient Dance, 1990

gouache on rice paper, 9.75" x 14"

Amit May Collection

 

Exhibit Continues

Enter Part II