The Artist

1948 Phu Tho province Vietnam

Nguyen Quan first studied physics in Germany and graduated in 1971 whereupon he returned to Vietnam to pursue his studies in art. He exhibited quite widely in Vietnam in the early 80’s and became the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts University from 1987 and also worked as Editor in Chief of My Thuat, the fine arts publishing house magazine.

Quan was a mentor to the young group of artists, Gang of Five and later developed into a fine arts writer and critic. He was one of artists included in the 1992 Uncorked Soul exhibition and first publication on contemporary Vietnamese art by Plum Blossoms Gallery Hong Kong and Singapore. Quan has a unique figurative abstract style, a brilliant use of color with subtle references to his European education.

Quan was also a mentor to Suzanne Lecht and has spent innumerable hours introducing her to the myriad influences and aspects of the Vietnamese culture that are woven into the contemporary art works. An artist, friend and mentor, treasured for his kindness and insight.