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.