The exhibition displays a series of artistic legacies of the late artist Phan Ke An, including multi-material paintings, works of study and research at the Repin Academy of Fine Arts (former Soviet Union) and sketches of famous artists and celebrities in the second half of the 20th century. In which, there are 3 lacquer paintings, 1 oil painting, 1 silk painting and a series of special sketches by the artist. These paintings are likened to “hidden treasures” that will reveal many surprises about the journey of creation and artistic life in the years 1945-1960.
Sharing about this art event, artist Vu Do – exhibition curator said: A special feature of this exhibition is the unpublished works of the late painter Phan Ke An, including some unfinished works, but not losing value. They themselves are witnesses of history, containing the artist’s own story and memories. These paintings reflect the working process, worries, thoughts, and even disappointments in an artist’s arduous journey of composing, and at the same time reveal many clues and stories about his life. In particular, all of them have artistic value with strong vibes and impressions, showing the creativity and constant experimentation of an experienced artist in the painting world.
The work of the late painter Phan Ke An
Ms. Phan Mai Thanh Thuy, daughter of the late painter Phan Ke An, expressed her emotion: “From the past to now, my father hardly has his own exhibition, except during the resistance war. In fact, since most of his paintings are sold out right away, some of his paintings have already been bought. A few times for a joint exhibition at 16 Ngo Quyen, my father had to borrow his sold paintings for display. That’s why I wished to do a private exhibition for him, but could not carry out because conditions did not allow. This occasion is an opportunity to bring his works to the public.”
The Painter Phan Ke An (1923 – 2018), also known by the pen name Phan Kich, belongs to the generation of painters during the Indochina Fine Arts period. He is considered a multi-talented painter, one of the great artists of Vietnamese painting in the 20th century. He was a student at the Indochina Fine Arts School – École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (1944- 1945) and was one of the first members of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association.
The painter was successful in the genres of lacquer and oil paintings with the most famous painting of “Remembering a Northwest afternoon” (1950). This painting inspired painter-poet Doan Viet Bac to compose poetry and musician Vu Thanh to make the song “Remembering a Northwest afternoon”. He was also the first artist to draw portraits of President Ho Chi Minh in 1948 in the Viet Bac war zone with about 20 works. For his contributions to Vietnamese art, painter Phan Ke An was awarded the National Prize for Literature and Fine Arts (2001).
Phan Ke An exhibition – Hidden treasure organized by the French Institute in Hanoi – L’Espace, lasts from March 11 to April 16, 2022. Accompanying the exhibition is a seminar of the same name taking place on the morning of March 13, introducing to the public a new perspective on conservation and inheritance of artistic heritage. All events take place at the French Institute – L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien – Hanoi.
V.H