Dinh Quan Biography

Haiphong, Vietnam, 1964 -

ESTABLISHED Vietnamese artist, Dinh Quan's artworks are very refined, emphasising his sophistication in art techniques and subtle aesthetics.

Trained at the Hanoi Fine Arts College (graduated in 1990), Dinh Quan often paints FEMALE FIGURES - which are well finished and beautifully refined, surrealist rather than realistic. Using a lacquer-based paint, these women sometimes look ghostlike, sometimes sensual, and at times deconstructed. Dinh Quan has experimented with innovative approaches to the traditional art of making lacquer paintings and invented a dynamic style of lacquer painting that is unique. Lacquer is a clear sap stemming from various species of trees growing in Vietnam. Lacquer can be mixed with a variety of colours and substances, and the traditional way of making lacquer paintings is to paint layer upon layer in a long and arduous process. Dinh Quan applies a modified technique and mixes lacquer with a variety of substances such as gold, silver and epoxy to achieve a special surface texture and three-dimensional feeling to his paintings.

He has recently exhibited in several countries abroad, such as China (1994), Japan (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000), France (1996), Singapore (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002), Norway (1997), Philippines (1997, 1999), Hong Kong (1997), USA (1997, 1998, 2000), UK (1999, 2002), Thailand (1998, 2000, 2002) and Taiwan (2000).

Works by this artist can also be viewed in major ASIAN ART COLLECTIONS, such as Singapore Art Museum, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the National Art Gallery of Malaysia.