Artworks by artist Phung Pham displayed at the National Army Museum of the United Kingdom
Thang Long Art Gallery is greatly honoured to have the opportunity to display selected special artworks by Vietnamese master artist Phung Pham at the National Army Museum in London. The display was part of the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Viet Nam People's Army hosted by The Ambassador of Viet Nam in the United Kingdom His Excellency Mr. Do Minh Hung and Defence Attaché Senior Colonel Vu Vinh Ha.
In the spotlight was the lacquer artwork Night Transplanting (2008) from the collection of Thang Long Art Gallery. The artwork depicts courageous Vietnamese women plating rice at night during wartime to avoid enemy aircraft, celebrating the heroism of Vietnamese women, who worked tirelessly day and night on the rice field so that their loved ones could be well fed on the front lines and that one day they would come home.
Artist Phung Pham (born in 1932) is an early departer from socialist realism who found his creative passion in the language of Cubism. Phung Pham, who turns 92 this year, was among the first students at the Vietnam College of Fine Arts, which is now known as the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. He graduated as part of Class 1 (1957-1960) with an intermediate degree in fine arts, then went on to join Class 9 (1965-1970) for college. Today, his art can be considered the epitome of Cubism in Vietnam. Phung Pham always casts his eyes outwards to observe life and finds beauty in the simple things. He is often captivated by the sight of rustic farmers transplanting rice, pounding grain, casting fishnets and harvesting crops, just as he feels drawn to scenes of young ladies going about their daily life as they brush their hair, arrange flowers, wait for someone or share tender moments with their lovers. His Cubist style forms strong and steady three-dimensional blocks. He tends to paint them on lacquer, a traditional and valuable material found in Vietnam. Some of his pieces resemble modern bronze statues. In his art, viewers can hear echoes of something ancient, enduring, and timeless.
