Pham An Hai
Pham An Hai (b. 1967, Vietnam) graduated from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts in 1995 and received his Masters in Painting in 2006. As one of Vietnam’s foremost abstract painters, Hai shifted from a figurative approach progressively to an expressionistic period (1998–1999), before finding his true passion in abstraction from 2000 until now. The language of abstract art has proven to suit the artist who, by nature, is more prone to emotional expression than mimetic representation. His paintings are inspired by landscapes, cityscapes and nature, but he offers his own personal interpretations of these familiar themes, noting: “I follow the mood of texture, through the tones of feelings obsessed by surrounding images. No matter what subject I follow, texture is basically the nature of all my creations.”
After beginning his artistic journey with exhibitions in Vietnam, Pham An Hai expanded his presence globally. His solo and group exhibitions include At the Hindsight, Green Palm Gallery, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2016; Merging the Best of East and West, London, UK, 2008; Inside & Outside, Bangkok, Thailand, 2007; Vietnam Contemporary Art, Tokyo, Japan, 2005; Vietnam Now, Seattle, Washington, USA, 2005; Nam Son Art Gallery, Hanoi, Vietnam and Sofitel Gallery, Melbourne, Australia, 2000; Selected Paintings, Philip Morris Company, 1999; Young Painter Contemporary, Hai Phong, Vietnam, 1998; and Coming Spring, Hanoi, Vietnam, 1998. Several of his notable works are included in the collections of public museums and private collections.
Studio Visit with Pham An Hai
This interview features a candid discussion with Pham An Hai on his artistic evolution. Hai expands on his shift from figurative painting to more expressive and abstract forms, exploring how certain life experiences have shaped this creative approach and led him to achieve inner balance. The interview also explores the role of color in abstract art, as Hai analyzes how color serves both as a tool for emotional expression and a structural element supporting the artwork. In addition, the discussion touches upon Hai’s unique understanding of the Vietnamese contemporary art scene, where he talks about cultural loss, his experience working with international auction houses, and his personal perspective on the development of the field.
This video is part of a series of interviews by Nguyễn Art Foundation.