Tran Van Thao

“When we close our eyes, we see shadows of the infinite, disorientation, profound depth… not just the literal meaning of shadows. And when we open our eyes, we see many things: sun and wind, air, objects, people… This ‘eye-opening’ moment could be at any time, in any mood, can ‘catch’ any subject, can recall any atmosphere.” Tran Van Thao (b. 1961, Saigon), one of Vietnam’s foremost abstract painters, is recognized for his individual markings, rich colour fields and compositions that convey a sense of harmony and balance through a contemplative atmosphere that invites introspection and mindfulness. For Tran, inspiration comes from the humble yet dynamic experience of everyday life, as well as the immediacy of his surroundings. Tran’s work can be raw with primitivist markings or rich with color fields.  Veils of oil paint, scumbled areas of depth, papier-mâché, collage and brazen linear shapes are all basic ingredients of his stylistic repertoire. ...

Recognized as Vietnam’s leading contemporary art gallery, Galerie Quynh has been promoting contemporary art practice in the country for over two decades. The gallery is known internationally for its consistently focused programming and educational initiatives. Working with a select group of emerging, mid-career and established Vietnamese artists, the gallery also exhibits the work of distinguished artists from around the world. In keeping with its mission to develop a sustainable ecosystem for the arts in Vietnam, the gallery collaborates with artists, curators, museums and art spaces locally and internationally to organize talks and lectures as well as to produce publications in English and Vietnamese. In May 2014 the gallery founded the not-for-profit educational initiative Sao La directed by artists Tung Mai and Nguyen Kim To Lan. Sao La has since evolved into an independent artist collective spearheaded by To Lan and Dalat-based artist Nguyen Duc Dat. In summer 2020 with support from the Goethe-Institut, the gallery launched the not-for-profit CáRô, an educational initiative that provides art education for students aged 13 – 18 who show demonstrative interest in the arts. ...