The undercurrents of Vietnamese modern sculpture pre/post-75 until now: An introduction

In this conversation between two sculptors from different generations and social upbringings, Bùi Hải Sơn (b. 1957) and Phạm Đình Tiến (b. 1988) will take turns to share their own observations, lived experiences and perspectives about two periods of modern sculpture in Vietnam—the pre and post conditions of 1975; and the beginning of the 2000s. What were the external factors that informed the practice of sculptors in these periods? Who are some of the  lesser known practitioners of sculpture and their notable works that have not been recognized? 

Our two guest speakers are not only practicing artists, but throughout their career, they have also been very active in contributing to the development of sculpture in Vietnam, such as initiating platforms that support young artists, teaching at local universities, or organizing exhibitions that showcase works of local artists. What are the differences and similarities between generations of practicing sculptors—in terms of aesthetics, formal/conceptual concerns, or socio-political backgrounds?

Born in Ông Chưởng island, An Giang province (Vietnam), Bùi Hải Sơn graduated from Department of Sculpture in Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Art in 1987. His works have been shown in various group exhibitions and residencies in Vietnam, Korea, Japan and are included in the collections of the Fine Art Museums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Japan and in Korea. Bùi Hải Sơn’s often large-scale sculptures are an ode to the relentlessness and impermanence of the cycle of life.  

Born in 1988 in Lâm Đồng province (Vietnam), Phạm Đình Tiến graduated from the Department of Sculpture, Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Art in 2012 and completed Master’s Degree in Sculpture from Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Art in 2016. He is currently a lecturer at this same Department. His works are often known for their capacity to blur the boundary between materiality and emotion. Recently, his works have focused more on Vietnameseness, everyday life, the mixture of time and its interaction with other modes of living in modern life.  

Image Credit: The Phan Bội Châu statue by sculptor Lê Thành Nhơn (1987). Currently placed at 19 Lê Lơi (Huế).