Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Tran Van Thao (B. 1961) obtained his fine arts training from Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts College and Fine Arts University in 1986. Thao is strongly influenced by Nguyen Trung, his mentor. Working primarily in oil and mixed media, Thao follows a purely abstract style of painting and his inspiration comes from his emotions and experiences in life. Widely travelled, Thao has participated in major exhibitions in the region and in the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States. In ‘Untitled’, layers upon layers of oil paint build up the textural quality of the work. The dark, earthy painting is energized by the bold gestural brushstrokes and the use of white and vibrant orange.
