Artist Pham Binh Chuong commemorates 25 years of dedication to realism and 20 years of capturing the essence of Hanoi with the inauguration of his exhibition, Xuong Pho (Going Downtown).
This marks the 4th installment of the Xuong Pho series since its inception in 2004 and the 6th solo exhibition showcasing the artist’s remarkable talent.
What sets this series apart is the artist’s unique inspiration drawn from the traces of successive generations in Hanoi’s urban evolution. His paintings elegantly juxtapose street corners and houses retaining French colonial influences with the city’s modern developments, creating a visual narrative of transition.
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| A visitor engrossed in the exhibition. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times |
Through his lens, Hanoi reveals itself as a city where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, creating a multilayered tapestry of memories. Chuong masterfully captures the subtle evolutions of the city, from the tangled wires on electric poles to the wooden cigarette boxes in street tea stalls, offering a unique perspective on Hanoi’s quiet transformation.
Pham Binh Chuong’s artistic journey has been marked by a transition from abstract expression to a profound commitment to realism, particularly in portraying the reality of Hanoi. His extensive research has informed his artistic style, leading to a concise and impactful depiction of the city he adores.
“My aim is to convey the beauty of Hanoi and my deep affection for this city in a succinct manner,” he explains. “I want viewers to not only see but also feel Hanoi, appreciating its architectural grandeur and the richness of human life that defines it.”
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| Painter Pham Binh Chuong, a master of realism in art for 25 years. Photo courtesy of the artist. |
The artist’s love for Hanoi is evident in his work, as the series progresses from feelings of regret to calm acceptance and, ultimately, joy. His paintings reflect a letting go of the old Hanoi and an embrace of the city’s vibrant, ever-changing nature. “My Hanoi has become more real, more contemporary while still retaining its old soul,” he muses. “The color palette has also evolved to include new materials like aluminum, plastic, and stainless steel, reflecting the modern lives of Hanoians.”
The Xuong Pho exhibition invites viewers to embark on a journey through time and space, offering a unique perspective on the city’s evolution. The show will remain open until November 7 at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi.
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| A stunning artwork by Pham Binh Chuong, capturing the essence of Hanoi. |
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