VietNamNet Bridge – Painter Nguyen Tu Nghiem, one of Vietnamese greatest artists, passed away yesterday (June 15) at 10.30am. He was 94. The famous painter had a stroke earlier last month and had been hospitalised ever since.

Artist at work: Painter Nguyen Tu Nghiem and his wife at home in December 2013. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

Born in 1922 in the central province of Nghe An, he was keen on drawing at a young age. After finishing primary school in his home town, Nghiem followed his older brother to Ha Noi to learn drawing.

He then joined the revolution against the French in 1945. He held various positions in his life, including Viet Nam Fine Arts University lecturer on the Viet Bac Revolutionary Base, Ha Noi Industrial Fine Arts College lecturer, and Viet Nam Fine Arts Association member.

Nghiem was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize in Literature and Arts in 1996. He was renowned as a creative painter who experimented in new materials for lacquer painting in Viet Nam. He was also successful with oil paintings on canvas, pastel, and water colour.

Nghiem ranks among the four most influential painters in 20th century Viet Nam, along with Bui Xuan Phai (1920-1988), Nguyen Sang (1923-1988), and Duong Bich Lien (1924-1988).

National treasure: Painter Nguyen Tu Nghiem, one of Viet Nam’s greatest artists, passed away yesterday.— Photo tuoitre.vn       Art legacy: A lacquer painting of Saint Giong by Nguyen Tu Nghiem. — Photo tienphong.vn

VNS