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| Nguyen Khai is one of the most established and venerated artists in Vietnam prior to immigrating to California. After studying at the Gia Dinh National College of Fine Arts in Vietnam, he founded the Young Painter's Association, a group of artists promoting independent expression. He arrived in the United States in 1981, where he again became a leading figure in the Vietnamese art world. |
 | Night in Hoi An: Evokes a mystery almost in the same vein as painter Giorgio de Chirico. The empty streets, unexpected perspective and raking shadows are reminiscent of the Italian's style, now recognize as a precursor of surrealism. What separates this work from the earlier painter's type, though, is that his cityscape projects warmth rather than menace. In de Chirico's world, the empty streets are ominous, while Khai might simply be observing that people are home eating dinner with their families. The shadows here are soft, and the scene beckons the viewer in, extending an invitation to share in the humanity of this Vietnamese town. This painting seems to exude the scents, the fish sauce, fruits and incense, of Vietnamese life. |
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