Truong Tan
Truong Tan (b. 1963, Vietnam) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of contemporary art in Vietnam, renowned for his exceptional fearlessness and unwavering authenticity in embracing and expressing his identity and gender. This authenticity resonates powerfully throughout his diverse artistic expressions, spanning painting, sculpture, ceramic object, multimedia installation, and performance. Through his art, Truong Tan boldly challenges societal norms, offering critiques on ingrained prejudices in Vietnamese society, while also scrutinizing perceptions of national identity and gender stereotypes.
As a distinguished student of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, Truong Tan assumed his role as a professor upon graduation, teaching at the painting department from 1989 to 1997. Throughout his tenure, he injected innovation into his teaching methods, introducing fresh perspectives and creative experiments that inspired and garnered enthusiastic support from students. His transformative educational approach thus played an important role in the establishment and flourishing of multiple generations of young artists eager to venture beyond the conventional, outdated artistic languages of a bygone era.
Truong Tan has exhibited globally, with solo shows in Hanoi, Paris, Berlin, Sydney, and Bangkok. His participation in international exhibitions, including the Singapore Biennial (2008) and Fukuoka Asian Art Triennial (2009), underscores his significant contribution to contemporary art. He currently resides and works in Paris and Hanoi.
Studio Visit with Truong Tan
In this conversation with Nguyễn Art Foundation, artist Truong Tan offers candid reflections on his life and artistic journey – his entry into performance art, his ongoing exploration of different artistic languages, and the evolving nature of the artistic self across the various phases of his practice. As a pivotal figure in Vietnamese contemporary art, Truong Tan stands as a symbol of courage – an artist who lives truthfully with his sexuality, his identity, and above all, with the very essence of what it means to exist. The conversation highlights his Xin loi series, shaped by experiences of censorship and restriction, as well as his deeply influential engagement with art education. More than a personal narrative, Truong Tan’s reflections offer an astute critique on societal constraints, driven by a desire to transcend the rigid norms and dogmas that limit individual expression.
This video is part of a series of interviews by Nguyễn Art Foundation.