Born in 1959 in Phu Tho, Vietnam, Van Ngoc (Vũ Văn Ngọc) laid the early groundwork for his future in the arts at a local school. The year 1983 saw a divergence in his path as he answered the call to join the army during the border conflict in Northern Vietnam, a pivotal chapter that would precede a remarkable artistic rebirth.
Post-military service in 1986, Van Ngoc dedicated himself to furthering his artistic education at Hanoi University of Fine Arts, culminating in his graduation in 1992. A pivotal move in 1993 marked a significant shift, as he and his wife relocated from a modest northern village to the scenic landscapes of Vung Tau.
Van Ngoc's artistic repertoire, a nuanced exploration of humanity, nature, and their intricate interplay, unveils a trajectory from early ventures into realism, fleeting encounters with post-impressionism, to a current predilection for the expressive palette of abstract expressionism. Recognized as a pioneer, he stands as one of Vietnam's trailblazers in installation and collage art, his diverse techniques and materials weaving a narrative that enriches the tapestry of contemporary Vietnamese art.
“In the heart of that ancient village and among its villagers, I came into this world—a humble existence in a poor and meager countryside. It feels like a distant memory now, but I can sense the pull, the inevitable return looming on the horizon.
The faces of those familiar folks, once lively and full of stories, now rest in a silent slumber beneath six feet of earth. Seasons have come and gone—Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter—all weaving tales of change and transformation. Yet, the Hilly Village, once a vibrant part of the landscape, has vanished into the folds of time, leaving only echoes of its existence.”
— Van Ngoc
