Gajah Gallery presents a collection of artworks that reflects the people of war-torn Vietnam during a time of constant fear, desperation and decadence.
The turbulent years of the French Occupation, 1945-1954, are considered by many to be the “lost years” of Vietnam. In spite of the accelerated urbanization of Vietnam in transport and communication infrastructures, critical social problems such as crime, starvation and abuse were common.
With the infamous 1954 battle of Dien Bien Phu, the French occupation and war left both parent and colony with deep psychological and emotional scars. These not only gave hope but unified strength for the Vietnam people in their struggle for independence.
The anonymity of these works lends itself to their universality and the infinite parallels it draws with the current issues of today. A mysterious sense of poignancy resonates from these works as they document with agonizing detail the war-stricken years of Vietnam.
In a tormented yet hopeful timelessness, these paintings immortalize the inherent duality of Man – Aggression and Compassion.