Trần Văn Thảo Vietnamese, b. 1961

Tran Van Thao (b. 1961), one of Vietnam’s foremost abstract painters, is recognized for his individual markings, rich colour fields and compositions that convey a sense of harmony and balance through a contemplative atmosphere that invites introspection and mindfulness. For Thảo, inspiration comes from the humble yet dynamic experience of everyday life, as well as the immediacy of his surroundings.

Trần Văn Thảo belongs to an influential group of painters who rose to prominence in the 90s following the 1986 Đổi Mới economic reforms. Part of the historic Group of 10 artists that catalyzed the process to recognize abstraction as a legitimate genre of the visual arts in Vietnam, Thảo was one of the group’s most prominent members. Thảo graduated from the Ho Chi Minh University of Fine Arts in 1986, and has since held numerous exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and the US.