Thai girl



Material: silk
Size: 110 cm x 150 cm
 
 
 

 

Prof Nguyen Thu

Artist.Professor Nguyen Thu was born on 12 December 1930 in Hoai Duc, Hanoi. He joined the army in 1946 as a cadet when the National Resistance was officially declared. He produced propaganda posters and drawings. During this period, he also assisted with the production of a newspaper for the Resistance movement's Political Section, illustrating books and newspapers. In 1948, he was sent on a three month art course taught by To Ngoc Van, Nguyen Khang and the architect Ta My Duat. Between 1950 and 1954, he worked with Colonel Huy Toan for the journal of the 312 Regiment, which was printed regularly to celebrate victorious campaigns. During the period of the resistance against the French, Nguyen Thu created several notable works which were officially acclaimed and he subsequently won several prizes. He left the army in 1954 to resume his studies, joining the Fine Arts College, Hanoi, from 1955 studying under To Ngoc Van and graduating in 1962. During this period, he also worked with the Ministry of Culture. Having completed his studies, he became a teacher at the College. Eventually he became Vice-Director of the College from 1979 to 1984 and Director from 1985 to1994. During the war against America, he often took his students to record the activities in the countryside, not only painting and drawing the army but also every day subjects such as industry and agriculture. The works were exhibited both in Vietnam and overseas. In 1971, he exhibited with Colonel Quang Tho in various eastern block countries, including the USSR, Bulgaria and Hungary.

His painting on silk and he has been influenced by many Japanese and Chinese painters utilising this medium. In 1988 he was invited by the National College of Fine Arts, Paris, on a three month exchange programme, teaching and organising lectures on the art of Vietnamese painting on silk. During this time he exhibited at Gallerie 17 Quai Malaquais. In 1991 he was invited to lecture at a conference at by the Fine Arts College in Sydney, where he also exhibited. He currently concentrates on painting on silk and regularly exhibits in Hanoi. Nguyen Thu is a Member of the Fine Arts Association of Vietnam and his works are in many Museums. He has exhibited internationally, including at the British Museum, London and at the Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh and The Museum of East Asia Art, Bath.