Phung Pham
In Phung Pham’s works, one can see the influence of Fernand Leger, Picasso, modern Western graphics and Japanese woodblock printing, as well as patterns from traditional costumes of minority groups and Dong Son bronze drums. Inspiration was drawn from everywhere and anywhere. Throughout the ages, linear composition and geometric design have always been fundamental in the art of mankind. What is essential in the work of Phung Pham, however, is his personal absorption and distillation of these elements into his own unmistakable style.
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.
Biography
1932: Born in Hong Chau commune, Yen Lac district, Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam.
1947: Joined the revolution, and went to the Viet Bac guerrilla zone.
1952 – 1955: Studied at the Central Campus in Nam Ninh, China. Received art lessons from artist Nguyen Khang.
1955 – 1956: Taught supplementary classes in Son Tay.
1957 – 1960: Studied and graduated from the Vietnam College of Fine Arts.
1960 – 1965: Worked at the Cultural Bureau in Hai Duong province.
1965 – 1967: Enrolled in the 9th intake at the Vietnam College of Fine Arts but dropped out after half the course of study.
1973 – 1985: Worked at the Vietnam Animation Studio.
From 1985 to the present: Pursued artistic creation in home-studio.
Honours and Awards
Numerous “Prize A” at the 1975 – 1985 Graphic Art Exhibition in Hanoi
Gold Medal at the 1990 Nationwide Fine Arts Exhibition in Hanoi
Medal for the Cause of Vietnamese Fine Arts
2023: Two lacquer artworks by Phung Pham, “Proud” (1993) and “Love Kisses” (1995) were donated to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum by Mrs Ellen Berends, a former Dutch diplomat, who served as Dutch Ambassador in various countries; she worked in Vietnam between 1997-2001 and treasured the two artworks by Phung Pham and brought with her around the world for a quarter of a century.
Solo Exhibitions
2003: Solo exhibition at the Exhibition House of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, 16 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi.
2006: Solo exhibition “At the Height of Summer” at Jee Stone Gallery, Hong Kong.
2008: Solo exhibition at 29 Hang Bai Exhibition House, Hanoi.
2010: Solo exhibition at 29 Hang Bai Exhibition House, Hanoi.
2023: Solo exhibition at Thang Long Gallery, 41 Hang Gai, Hanoi.
Group Exhibitions
1972 – 1990: Participated in annual International Graphic Exhibitions in Germany, Romania, Poland, Norway. Took part in various cultural exchange events in the United States, Japan and Republic of Korea, organized by the Vietnam Fine Arts Association.
1985: Participated in the 1975 – 1985 Graphic Art Exhibition in Hanoi. The artwork “Mountain Classroom”, 1983 (woodblock print, 55 x 65 cm) won the A Prize.
1990: Participated in the 1990 Nationwide Fine Arts Exhibition in Hanoi. The artwork “Fighting against Drought”, 1990 (lacquer on wood, 113 x 133 cm) won the Gold Medal.
1999: Participated in the Nationwide Fine Arts Exhibition on the theme of Revolutionary War and the People’s Armed Forces.
2015: Participated in The 4th Ulsan International Woodcut Print Art Festival in the Republic of Korea.
2024: “A Glimpse of Vietnam” by Thang Long Art Gallery held at Bonhams London
2025: “Vietnam – Enchanting Beauty” by Thang Long Art Gallery at Sotheby’s London
… also participated in numerous other group exhibitions both domestically and internationally.
