Bridging Tradition and Innovation: An Interview with Vietnamese Artist Phạm Thanh Toàn

From traditional silk paintings and water puppetry to abstract sculptures in contemporary exhibitions, Vietnamese art continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide. In the heart of Vietnam's flourishing art scene, modern artists like Phạm Thanh Toàn are bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in the ever-changing landscape of artistic expression.

Toàn was born in Quảng Bình, Vietnam. Though he initially had no interest in art and attended a "normal" school, Toàn began developing his passion when he was accepted into a fine arts university. Toàn explains that while Western art schools encourage creativity and passion, they lack teaching the concrete skill and basic foundation of art. "I'm very grateful for my Vietnamese education," he says.

"I learned that art is not just about being talented. It is a combination of your brain, logic, and creating a vision of how your pictures need to be,"-- Toàn

Combining lacquer and oil paint

Toàn's expertise lies in lacquer and oil painting, where he has developed his unique technique and distinctive style by combining these two mediums. The meticulous and refined nature of lacquer painting beautifully accentuates the vibrancy of colors, creating a harmonious interplay with his artworks' shimmering layers and surface. The artist mainly specializes in creating colossal mural-like images that reach impressive heights up to 400cm or 13 feet. Due to their grand size, Toàn's work is geared towards museums and galleries rather than homes. Each of his pieces can take up to a year to complete.

Consequently, the color palette for each artwork is meticulously chosen to establish focal points and captivate the audience's gaze. Two of the most effective colors, Toàn reveals, are gold and silver. His artwork is primarily inlaid with these color tones.

"A Regeneration of God"

One such example is Toàn's masterpiece Đức chúa hồi sinh (A Regeneration of God), standing 9 feet tall and 13 feet wide. The dark, muted tones and heavy shadows looming in the background are embellished with the shimmer of gold and silver, capturing the precise realism of each figure. Religious symbols and figures are often depicted in Toàn's works–one of his most prominent themes. Instead of tapping into one specific religion, the artist shares that he attempts to represent universal religious beliefs.

The Imaginary Triangle

Toàn reveals that an "imaginary triangle" guides his artwork exploration process. This triangle represents the three main components in society and the artists' mind: religion, politics, and sex. "Without these three components, society cannot delve," Toàn says. "Religion represents what we believe in. Politics and leaders drive our society. Sex is reproduction. If you don't reproduce, there is no society."

The artists' work also depicts the consequences of human and societal progression. "As our society progresses, it can become increasingly dangerous." Toàn shares. The artist reveals that we must protect nature and the environment to avoid these consequences. Thus, symbols representing the cycle of life and nature are often depicted in Toàn's work. It is common to see horses, churches, knights, details of human decay, gods, and biblical figures that capture the essence of Toàn's ideas and imaginary triangle. Furthermore, the artist also incorporates objects beyond the physical realm, such as mythical creatures like monsters and fairies. Toàn's approach breaks free from established norms and predefined concepts, demonstrating the characteristics of contemporary artists.

"The new way of art is bringing in new ways of expression."-Toàn

Contemporary vs. Traditional Vietnamese Art

Toàn, a Vietnamese artist, frequently compares Vietnam and Western cultures, mainly developed countries. He explores this comparison through his artwork and examines how Vietnam can learn from and progress alongside these nations. Despite these influences, Vietnam remains a central and enduring source of inspiration for Toàn. He believes that one of Vietnam's positive aspects is its resilience in war and suffering, inspiring many Vietnamese artists.

According to Toàn, people purchase art for reasons beyond visual aesthetics; there must be a philosophical alignment. Instead of drawing from old literature, poems, and tales like traditional Vietnamese art, Toàn's art originates from his philosophy and imaginary triangle. He emphasizes the importance of creating art based on one's personal philosophy. Toàn also shares three primary purposes of art for its consumers:

1. The artwork reflects the artist's identity, encompassing their culture, history, morals, and experiences.

2. Art evokes feelings and emotions, allowing viewers to derive their own stories based on their perspective, not necessarily the artist's story.

3. Art holds value, determined by the customers themselves, based on how much the art resonates with them.

Tam Chúa Hợp Nhất(Unified Trinity)

Upon initial observation of Tam Chúa Hợp Nhất (Unified Trinity), the viewer's attention is immediately captivated by the central focal point of the artwork—a depiction of God and the cross illuminated by a striking and saturated golden hue. The contrasting vibrant symbol of Satan, portrayed in vivid red against the coolness of the navy background, serves as another prominent element. Surrounding these central figures are additional representations, such as skeletons and various deities, forming a framing effect that further guides the viewers' gaze toward the focal point. This compositional arrangement creates a sense of unity amidst the intricate details and contributes to the overall cohesion of the artwork.

According to Toàn, this piece depicts the nature of humans and perseverance. The combination of God and the devil symbolizes that there is good and bad no matter what. There needs to be a balance: no one is entirely "good." Moreover, his piece reveals the perseverance of human nature and the obstacles that must be overcome to succeed. "Being sedentary is the most dangerous lifestyle for our society," he says.

Pervasive cultural norms

Toàn's artwork has been featured in numerous museums, galleries, and exhibitions worldwide. However, he continues to encounter obstacles stemming from traditional cultural norms. "It has been challenging for people to accept my new perspectives," Toàn reveals. "Vietnamese art is deeply rooted in culture, and as a third-world country, gaining recognition for individualism is difficult."

The artist shares that his early artworks faced significant criticism online. By trusting in his individuality and remaining committed to his passion and ideology, people have now come to recognize his efforts and appreciate his unique approach. "As times change, even older generations understand and value my ideas," he says. Toàn's work is now regularly featured in Vietnamese art exhibitions.

Advice for Young Artists

When asked for his final advice for young artists, Toàn says, "It's quite simple. You must be dedicated, persevere, and have a fighting spirit to succeed. Develop an artistic philosophy that sets you apart from others."

You can find more of Toàn's masterpieces on his website.

Translated by Alice Bui

"Chúa Jesu và quỷ Satan" (Jesus Christ and the devil Satan)

"Tôi là ai ? Đây là đâu?" (Who am I? Where is this?)