Discover Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Through Paintings
LuxArt Collection introduces you to the renowned painter Pham Luc, often referred to as the Picasso of Vietnam. His artwork tells the rich and complex story of Vietnam. Exhibiting both French and Vietnamese influences, Pham Luc serves as a bridge linking the 20th and 21st centuries. Appreciating this accomplished yet humble master offers a deep understanding of Vietnamese culture, history, heritage, progress, and life. His paintings vividly depict war, peace, the past and present, and the human connection with nature, culture, food, and people.
Notable Works and Recognition
Pham Luc’s work is highly esteemed, with some of his older paintings selling for over $500,000. Admirers of his work include a Harvard professor, many ambassadors in Hanoi, high-ranking Vietnamese officials, and art collectors from around the world. He even has a collectors’ club with over a hundred passionate members in Hanoi and Saigon. His reputation extends internationally, making him one of Vietnam’s most celebrated artists.
Soldier and Painter
Born in Hue, Vietnam, in 1943 and raised in Hanoi, Pham Luc served as an official painter in the Vietnamese army. His experience as a soldier deeply influenced his art, infusing it with a profound sense of realism and emotion. He was awarded art prizes from the Ministry of Defense in 1990, a testament to his significant contributions. Still residing in Hanoi, he is recognized as one of Vietnam’s major painters. His works have been exhibited in France, Germany, the USA, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and Russia, and feature in the collections of Vietnam’s Fine Arts Museum and many international art collectors.
His Style
Pham Luc’s style is instantly recognizable yet hard to imitate. “I do not paint in abstract. I paint the vibrations of my heart, the life of the people around me… I find serenity in working. My paintings are confessions,” he explains. His art exalts the simplicity of rural beauty through the sweetness of women, children, and nature, blending French influences with Vietnamese tradition. This unique style makes his work stand out, resonating deeply with viewers and art enthusiasts.
He draws inspiration from four of the most famous and successful Vietnamese painters since 1945 – Nghiem, Liem, Sang, and Phai – who graduated from L’Ecole des Beaux Arts de l’Indochine. These artists took different paths: Nghiem in convention, Liem in softness and femininity, Sang in strength, and Phai in realism. Pham Luc’s ability to integrate these influences while maintaining his unique voice has made him a prominent figure in Vietnamese art.
His Life as a Painter
“Painting is my joy in life,” says Pham Luc, who tirelessly creates nearly a thousand paintings every year. He adapts to various media, including newsprint, craft paper, and rice sacks, and masters traditional techniques such as oil, gouache, ink, pastel, lithography, and lacquer, the latter being the most difficult technique and inaccessible to many. He is acknowledged as a master in this medium. His dedication and versatility are evident in his prolific output and the diverse materials he employs.
Pham Luc and War
Having spent 35 years in the army, Pham Luc was an official army painter. Much of his wartime art was produced in haste on rice sacks, bearing witness to the horrors of conflict. His art silenced the horror and introduced the essence of hope. This period of his work provides a raw, unfiltered look at the impact of war on Vietnam, capturing both the suffering and resilience of its people. His wartime paintings are not only artistic expressions but also historical documents that offer a poignant glimpse into a turbulent era.
One Particular Technique: Lacquer
Initiated in China three thousand years ago, the lacquer technique spread throughout Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, lacquer is recognized as a popular art and craft. The process involves applying several layers of color dried in a hot and humid atmosphere. Through grinding techniques, different shapes and colors emerge. This intricate and time-consuming process results in stunning works of art that are rich in texture and depth. Pham Luc’s mastery of lacquer painting is evident in his exquisite pieces that blend tradition with modernity.
Work in Ink
Pham Luc’s ink works, painted on materials such as silk, rice sacks, newsprint, and rice paper, hold inestimable historical value. Made between 1965 and 1975, a series of ink drawings on rice paper depict soldiers, Vietnamese peasants, and women during the war, capturing the passive witnesses of a conflict for unity and independence. These works are a testament to his ability to convey powerful narratives through minimalistic and evocative imagery. The delicate lines and expressive compositions in his ink paintings reveal his skill and sensitivity as an artist.
Oils and Other Techniques
Pham Luc mastered many traditional techniques, from lacquer to watercolor, oil, woodcarving, gouache, and acrylic. A book comparing him to Picasso is dedicated to him, highlighting his versatility and innovation. His oil paintings, in particular, are celebrated for their vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. These works often explore themes of daily life, nature, and spirituality, offering a rich tapestry of visual experiences. Pham Luc’s ability to seamlessly transition between different mediums and techniques showcases his artistic brilliance and dedication to his craft.
A Masterpiece in the Natural Heritage
Built with passion, LuxGroup proudly affiliates with master Pham Luc. Travel, cruising, food, wine, hospitality, music, and art reflect our rich Vietnamese history, culture, nature, heritage, and cuisine, creating memories for the most sophisticated travelers. Discover our cruising masterpiece like a floating museum and storytelling artworks on board and create your own memories. Each voyage with LuxGroup is an immersive experience that connects travelers with the soul of Vietnam, guided by the artistic vision of Pham Luc.
Conclusion
Pham Luc’s work stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. His paintings not only capture the beauty and complexity of Vietnamese life but also serve as historical documents that offer insights into the nation’s past. Through the LuxArt Collection, art enthusiasts and travelers alike have the opportunity to engage with his masterpieces and gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese art and culture. LuxGroup’s dedication to promoting and preserving this heritage is evident in their collaboration with Pham Luc, making each journey a celebration of Vietnam’s artistic legacy.
Explore the LuxArt Collection and discover the captivating world of Pham Luc, where each painting tells a story of resilience, beauty, and cultural pride. This unique collection is a tribute to the timeless artistry and enduring legacy of one of Vietnam’s most beloved painters.
