Phung Pham’s artworks returned to Vietnam in collaboration with Vietnam Embassy The Hague
By Roy lie Atjam
The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in the Netherlands organized a ceremony for the donation of two art objects from the personal collection of Mrs. Ellen Berends, a retired diplomat who served in Vietnam. The ceremony took place at the Chancellery of Vietnam in The Hague on 17th November 2022.
During her stint in Hanoi – Vietnam (1997 – 2002) Mrs Berends acquired two artworks by the Vietnamese artist Phung Phâm (1) a Lacquer painting on wood of a standing woman in traditional dress entitled “Proud” (“Tự Hào”) and (2) Lacquer painting on wooden folding screen entitled “Love Kisses”.
However, Mrs. Ellen Berends has decided to donate the two works of art to the Vietnam Museum of Fine Art and the people of Vietnam. According to Berends, the works are part of the Vietnamese cultural property. A noble and generous move indeed. Bravo!
H.E. Ms. Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador for International and Cultural Cooperation, Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh and spouse, Mrs. Le Thi Hien Anh, Former Dutch Ambassadors , H.E. Ms. Ellen Berends and H.E. Ms. Monique Frank, and Ellen Berends's husband Mr. Nicolas Vergunst.
After the signing of the deed and other documents, witnessed by friends of Vietnam, the diaspora, and Dutch government representatives notably Ms. Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador for International and Cultural Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Margriet Kim Nguyen, Policy Officer International Affairs at the Department for Heritage and Art, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Ambassador Pham Viet Anh, lauded Mrs. Ellen Berends and expressed his government’s gratitude for the generous donation. Also present, the former Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Ms. Monique Frank.
The two works will soon be on their way back home, to Vietnam!
Source: DiplomatMagazine.eu