‘After Baby Diary’ is a large figurative oil on canvas painting created by Vietnamese artist Dang Thao Ngoc in 2008. Featuring a palette made of rust, yellow, green and black colors, the painting depicts a mother, facing us, wrapping her arms around her child in front of her, in a warm protective manner. She is turning her head sideways, her long hair falling on her back and inscribes herself as a motif of the series of paintings behind her. Famous for her surreal depiction of women wearing traditional dresses, the painting strikes with its raw presence and touching subject. With its contrasting colors and powerful treatment, this large vertical figurative oil on canvas painting will be a strong focal point in any home, whether placed above a sofa, console table or enfilade. Unframed, the painting is signed lower right.
Dang Thao Ngoc is an extraordinary female artist who paints personal perceptions including imagery of family members and objects around her. Dang Thao Ngoc’s works of art metaphorically represent a young women’s view of the world and her life experiences. Ngoc uses vivid oil colors on canvas as she captures your imagination leaving room for interpretation by the viewer. Dang Thao Ngoc’s imagery expresses traditional Vietnamese motifs as well as contemporary themes. The juxtaposition of traditional and modern influences is visually bold and thought provoking. Often, her themes represent the exuberance of youth and wisdom that contrasts with ideas of experience and age. The provocative subjects of Dang Thao Ngoc’s works allow the viewer to imagine and arrive at their own conclusions about the messages she is trying to convey. Ngoc’s paintings are in private collections worldwide including the USA, Europe and Asia.
Exhibitions:
1982: Born in Hanoi
2003: Awarded 'jeunes regards' prize by French Cultural Centre, Hanoi and exhibition in Cahors, France
2005: Graduated Hanoi Academy of Fine Arts Exhibitions
2006: Group exhibition, Vietnam
2007: Women Painters, Painted Women in the National Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam
2007: Of This and Other Worlds, Bankside Gallery, London UK
2008: Artasia Miami
2009: Art Palm Beach
2010: 'Face to Face', Minotaure Gallery, Tel Aviv
2011: Art London
2011: "Hanoi 1000", Arts Club of Washington, DC
2012: Art Palm Beach
2013: Group exhibition of Asian contemporary art, Hong Kong
2015: Nudes and Narratives from the Mekong, Asian Art London
