Ngyuen Minh Nam

“Most of my paintings are about culture and depict the conflict and confusion between traditional and modern practices in contemporary Vietnam. Drawing transparent figures over traditional scenes is my attempt to show an emptiness or void in a penetrating way. By bringing both the old and the new together, I hope to raise questions about the changes in morality in contemporary society. To balance the yin and yang in pictures, some details in my painting, often faces and hands, are opaque. Some characters in my paintings are depicted in black and white, symbolizing previous generations – they are simple, rustic, discreet and honest, symbolizing a dedication to a spiritual life. Modern transparent colorful figures symbolize modern life and future generations. Their actions, postures and thoughts seem to be in contrast to previous generations”.

Education

2007 - Graduated from Vietnam University of Fine Arts

2001 - Graduated from School of Intermediate Talent of Bac Ninh