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| A corner of the exhibition space showcasing the “conversation” between contemporary artists and sculptor Diem Phung Thi |
On the upcoming 105th anniversary of sculptor Diem Phung Thi’s birth (1920-2025), contemporary artists are participating in one such “conversation” right in the very space named after her, located on Le Loi Street, beside the banks of the Huong River.
More than 30 artworks and numerous jewellery pieces were created by artists drawing inspiration from Diem Phung Thi’s flexible modular system. Each creation is a heartfelt expression of respect and admiration for the creative genius of a pioneering artist. These artists studied and absorbed the philosophy and aesthetics behind the art of Diem Phung Thi’s sculpting, then applied appropriate techniques infused with her artistic language into their own works or used them to tell new stories in today’s society.
Presenting a set of three posters about Diem Phung Thi, artist Nguyen Thien Duc shared that the works were created out of deep respect and admiration for the talents of this remarkable predecessor. The posters are inspired by her profound emotions, passion for the craft, and relentless creative spirit. Not only were they reflected in her individual works, characterized by her signature modern modular structures, but also were in the burning heart, creativity, and devotion to life. Through a clear, modern design language that blends graphic elements, typography, and 2D visuals, the artist crafted a portrait of a gifted sculptor.
Meanwhile, two pieces titled “Worldview of Diem Phung Thi” and “Language” featured in this “conversation” were created by another artist, Tran Vinh Thinh, who draws inspiration from Diem Phung Thi’s modular forms. According to the artist, these modules represent a new language in 20th-century contemporary sculpting. “Inspired by that idea and in admiration of her creativity, I painted with the heartfelt emotions of a younger generation. Her worldview is vast, while my ability is limited, so I strived to create these two pieces as a tribute to the great artist; those were an expression of continued connection and inheritance,” Thinh shared sincerely.
Observing the “conversation” between contemporary painters and the renowned sculptor offers a glimpse into the tireless dedication of Diem Phung Thi. Her creative energy flows like a cultural river, continuously connecting souls and transmitting artistic values across generations. Contemporary artists have adopted and innovated from her artistic language into their own works to express the continuation of artistic generations within this creative flow, adding meaning and contributing to the transmission and expansion of Diem Phung Thi’s art to the public.
Ms. Dinh Thi Hoai Trai, Director of Hue Museum of Fine Arts that is currently managing the Diem Phung Thi Art Center, believes that this “conversation” serves as a bridge to honor the immense contributions of sculptor Diem Phung Thi to Vietnamese art in general and to Hue in particular. “Today and future generations will always cherish, honor, and remember her heartfelt dedication and outstanding contributions. We will continue to preserve, promote, and share the artistic legacy of Diem Phung Thi with the public and international friends,” Ms. Trai shared.
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A distinct artistic world
Diem Phung Thi is internationally recognized as Vietnam’s most renowned contemporary female sculptor and a major figure in the global sculpting scene. Her name transcended Vietnam’s borders, earning admiration from around the world. She was one of only two Asians featured in the Larousse Dictionary of 20th Century Art (1991) and was honored as a Corresponding Academician of the European Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts (1992).
What made Diem Phung Thi unique was her invention of a sculpture style based on the combination and transformation of seven geometric modules. Art critic Raymond Cogniat referred to them as an “alphabet”, while Professor Tran Van Khe called them “seven musical notes”. In the context of Taoism, they are seen as the “seven stages of human life” of Diem Phung Thi. With just these seven modules, she was able to construct an entirely distinct artistic world.
Through the monumental body (of nearly 400 artworks) she gifted to Hue, art lovers not only recognize her as a beautiful, strong, talented woman, but also as an immense artist with a profound soul and a Vietnamese woman living far from home who always turned her heart toward her homeland.
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