b. 1960, Hanoi

Phạm Quang Vinh is widely known as a member of Gang of Five, and Director of Kim Dong Publishing (since 2003) who has made extensive contributions to the development of the publishing industry of the country. Born in 1960, Vinh graduated from the Vietnam University of Industrial Art in 1983. Growing up and developing his way of painting during the Doi Moi era seems to have had a significant impact on the artist’s drawing and perception. Phạm Quang Vinh’s paintings, whether it be self-portraits, portraits or landscapes, often bear a subtle poetic introspection. The intense bold color of the paintings, and the complex composition of many materials from pastel, gouache on paper to lacquer, oil painting,… make references to the multifaceted and diverse dimensions of life. The artist took a temporary rest from his art practice (1997) in order to dedicate his time and efforts to the publishing industry. Phạm Quang Vinh has achieved much acclaim and success as the Director of Kim Dong Publishing, especially in the creation of publications introducing arts to Vietnamese children. He also received the highest award for the illustrated works of Van Nghe Newspaper in 1996 and the Vietnam Fine Arts Award in 1991, together with many exhibitions within Vietnam and abroad.