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11
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11. * Bui Huu Hung (Vietnamese, born 1957)
Story of a lady o…
See original version (French)
11
-
11. * Bui Huu Hung (Vietnamese, born 1957)
Story of a lady o…
See original version (French)
Estimate €4,000 - €6,000
Voluntary lot
Description
11. * Bui Huu Hung (Vietnamese, born 1957)
Story of a lady of the royal court
1998
signed bui huu hung 98 (centre right)
lacquer on canvas
152 x 152 cm (59 3/4 x 59 3/4 in)
Provenance
Art House Consultancy.
Private collection, UK.
In the realm of contemporary Vietnamese art, Bui Huu Hung is a beacon of tradition and modernity. Born in Hanoi, the cultural heart of Vietnam, in 1957, he began his artistic journey at the age of 18, drawn to the ancient allure of lacquer painting. In search of authenticity, he immersed himself in the heritage of this intricate art form by experiencing and engaging with diverse aspects of Vietnam's rural life.
After completing his military service in 1978, his quest for artistic excellence led him to the Hanoi University of Fine Arts (formerly École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine). There, he refined and mastered the techniques of lacquer painting.
Lacquer is a complex and vibrant medium, and Bui Huu Hung's works demonstrate his mastery of it. His signature style combines grandeur and intimacy, often capturing the regal essence of Vietnamese women. Draped in opulent attire, these figures are set against a backdrop of intricate designs, their eyes reflecting a spectrum of emotions ranging from contemplation to quiet confidence.
Traditionally, lacquer on wood has been constrained to small formats due to the weight and fragility of the materials, as well as exhibition and transport limitations. However, beginning in 1978, Bui Huu Hung started working in larger, lighter pieces that could be transported. To achieve this, he began exploring the use of lacquer on different types of fabric. After years of experimentation and numerous failures, he finally developed a stable priming method.
Although traditional methods of applying lacquer to wood provide unparalleled depth to dark areas, lacquer on canvas enables larger, lighter formats. This gives artists greater flexibility and freedom. The woven structure of the fabric becomes part of the visual texture and reveals a distinctive appeal when repeatedly sanded. Each material has its own unique qualities, whether on wood or fabric.
Bui Huu Hung's art bridges the gap between the past and the present, fusing time-honoured methods with modern techniques. Through his paintings, he preserves the legacy of Vietnamese lacquer painting while also redefining it, thus ensuring its continued relevance in the modern art world.
See original version (French)
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Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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