Footnotes

Provenance
Findlay Galleries, US, acquired directly from the artist circa 1969


During the late 1960s, Vu Cao Dam experienced a transformative period in his artistic career while collaborating with the Findlay Galleries in the United States. This collaboration coincided with his residence in the idyllic South of France, specifically in the charming village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The picturesque setting not only provided him with a serene environment but also influenced his evolving artistic style. During this time, Vu Cao Dam's work began to reflect an increasingly liberal and expressive use of oil colours, seamlessly blending intense tones and artistic styles derived from Western art. His interactions with prominent artists such as Pierre Bonnard and Marc Chagall further enriched his creative vision.

Vu Cao Dam's distinctive style is a harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western artistic techniques. He skilfully employed a vibrant palette, incorporating shades of blue, pink, lilac, yellow, and white to create visually captivating compositions. For finer details such as the depiction of eyes and hair, black paint is predominantly used, adding depth and contrast to his works. His paintings often drew inspiration from the rich tapestry of Vietnamese poetry, including notable works such as Chinh Phụ Ngâm by Đặng Trần Côn and Kim Vân Kiều by Nguyễn Du, infusing his art with cultural and literary significance.

This painting Young Lovers in the Garden, created in 1969, is a quintessential example of Vu Cao Dam's artistic prowess during this period. The artwork portrays a serene and intimate scene featuring two figures dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire. The figure of a lady, seated gracefully in the foreground, is adorned in a light pink áo dài, exuding elegance and tranquillity. Behind her a male figure, dressed in blue, appears to be offering protection and affection. The abstract background of the painting, evokes the lush and vibrant essence of a garden in full bloom.

Vu Cao Dam's masterful use of soft, harmonious colours and delicate brushstrokes creates a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. The figures, representing young lovers, are depicted with a profound sense of tenderness and connection, capturing the essence of their emotional bond. This painting exemplifies the artist's remarkable ability to blend traditional Vietnamese themes with modernist techniques, resulting in a work that is both culturally rich and artistically innovative. Through Young Lovers in the Garden, Vu Cao Dam invites viewers to experience a moment of serene beauty and intimate connection, reflecting his unique artistic vision and the harmonious fusion of diverse influences.