In recent years, there has been a growing effort to rediscover and honor the pioneering Vietnamese artists who shaped modern art history but whose names have long remained in the shadows. Among them, Trần Phúc Duyên stands as a quiet yet profound figure — a painter whose mastery of lacquer transcended craft and entered the realm of fine art. His works speak in a language of subtlety and depth, where tradition and modernity coexist in delicate harmony. This renewed exploration of his life and art is not only a tribute to his remarkable legacy but also a reminder of the enduring beauty and sophistication of Vietnamese lacquer painting.
DUYÊN: Figurative, Abstract, Zen Arts
This artbook is a tribute to Trần Phúc Duyên (1923–1993), a master of Vietnamese lacquer whose career spanned more than five decades, including forty years abroad. Born in Hanoi, Trần Phúc Duyên developed a body of work that reflects deep sensitivity and a profound connection to nature — capturing the essence of Vietnam’s landscapes, cultural motifs, and traditional aesthetics. His artistry bridges Eastern lacquer techniques with Western influences, creating a unique visual language that elevated Vietnamese lacquer into the realm of fine art.
The making of this book was a careful, two-year process of collaboration with collectors and art experts. Every aspect — from format and typography to paper and binding — went through numerous revisions to ensure that the richness of Trần Phúc Duyên’s work is presented with clarity and respect. More than a collection of reproductions, this publication serves as both an archival record and a lasting testament to his artistic legacy.
The layout design draws inspiration from the Indochine design style, echoing the aesthetic spirit of the artist’s own era. Pages are arranged on an eight-column grid, creating a measured rhythm and visual balance. The typographic choices — tall, modern, and refined — reference the printed materials and posters of mid-20th-century Vietnam, grounding the book within its historical context. The overall layout remains understated and elegant, reflecting Trần Phúc Duyên’s artistic sensibility: simple, graceful, and quietly captivating.
At nearly 300 pages, hardcover, and sized 24.5 × 31 cm, the book is printed on Modigliani IC 150 gsm art paper, chosen for its texture and fidelity to the artist’s work. It features around 100 artworks, spanning subjects from depictions of Vietnamese people and rural life to nature, landscapes, and abstraction.
This book is more than an art catalog — it is a bridge between past and present, returning the vision of an extraordinary artist to the country that shaped his journey, and preserving his legacy for generations to come.
