Following a 10 year period of creating works, young sculptor Pham Thai Binh recently presented his first public exhibition titled “Forgotten Moments” at the Museum of Fine Arts.

It took Pham Thai Binh ten years to create the "Forgotten Moments" collection

The collection consists of 30 impressive sculptures reflecting the daily life of ethnic groups in the mountainous areas of Vietnam.

Born in the northern mountain border province of Lang Son, Binh is inspired by the lives of the local ethnic people.

“The subjects in my works are various ethnic people from the northern mountainous area, not a specific ethnic group. I do creative works about them because I admire the way they overcome difficulties and deprivations to live well,” said Binh.

"Sounds of the Mountain" before being covered by lacquer

"Spring Melody"-Composite covered by lacquer, 52cm x 62cm (2011)

"Being Dead Drunk"-Copper, 35cm x 43cm (2010)

"Father and Son"-Composite covered by lacquer, 68cm x 41cm (2010)

"Taking Wife Home by Three-wheel Motorcar"-Composite covered by lacquer, 110cm x 38cm (2010)

"Robbing Wife at a Moon Night"-Copper, 120cm x 46cm (2010)

"Going to the Market"-Copper, 420cm x 80cm (2012)

"Widower"-Copper, 39cm x 20cm (2011)

Thanks to his creativeness and delicate expression, viewers can feel the emotion and experience of the simple and beautiful lifestyles of ethnic people, all through the language of sculpture. 

All of the pieces are distinctive in their own way, but share similar attire and postures, suggesting some common challenges across culturally diverse peoples.

Observing “Being Dead Drunk”, viewers see the humurous portrayal of intoxicated men lying on a horse.

The “Taking Wife Home by a Three-Wheel Motorcar” work shows a lovely wedding ceremony.

As its name suggests, the exhibition reminds viewers of the impressive and beautiful moments in the lives of ethnic people, especially those who have since moved away from the mountain areas.

Strong interest in the exhibition has attracted healthy returns for the artist, with “VIPs in the Highlands” selling for US$4,500 and “Childhood Wheel” for US$3,000.

The simple, endearing and natural features are not only reflected through each carving and posture but also the appropriate names of each piece, such as “Turning on the radio to wait for friends”, “Piglets for Sale”, “Going to the Market”, “Sounds of the Mountain”, “Father and Son” and “The Childhood Wheel”.

VNP