Oil Paintings Capture Saigon’s Urban Vitality
by Mai Ngo
Sunday. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
Pham Luan's paintings of young people hanging out outside Landmark 81, on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, and other locations in Saigon portray the vivid and energetic scenes of everyday urbanity.
Pham Luan's first exhibition about Ho Chi Minh City, "Tictac Saigon", features 30 oil paintings of Saigon's iconic landmarks like the Central Post Office and Bach Dang Wharf. The event takes place between Oct. 24 -31 at 159 Dong Khoi Street in HCMC's District 1.
After the Afternoon Rain. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
Young folks skate along downtown Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. The artist said he wishes to show the city's new vigor after nearly two years of being ravaged by the pandemic. Initially, he intended to name the exhibition "Rhythm" but other team members offered the term "Tictac Saigon" to underline the city's vibrant and dynamic energy.
Afternoon in Bach Dang Park. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
A group of people dance by Saigon River. Pham Luan started painting this collection in 2021 in Hanoi. After social distancing ended, he flew to HCMC many times to find more inspiration.
Dancing by a Fountain. 2021. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
There were times when he would spend hours observing young people at the park, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and other popular hangouts. The artist described Saigon as "a young and dynamic city."
Dancing by a Red Car. 2021. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
The artist uses various colors and shapes to depict the movement of the subject in his paintings. To him, those energetic movements are the link between people's emotions and urban culture.
Friends. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
A group of motorbike enthusiasts in front of the Continental, one of the oldest hotels in Saigon.
Weekend. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
Young people gather to skate and walk in front of fountains along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street.
Landmark 81. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam, casts its shadow across Saigon River.
Lights On. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
A painting of Bach Dang Wharf, a favorite gathering place for people in District 1. The exhibition also marks 50 years of Pham Luan's career.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Sai Gon. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
A corner of Notre Dame Cathedral after the afternoon rain.
Sunset. 2022. Oil Painting by Pham Luan
At the age of nearly 70, Pham Luan faced many health problems, including rheumatism. "But the pain is soothed every time I complete artworks I enjoy," he remarked.