A work by abstract artist Tran Van Thao at the exhibition.

HCM CITY (VNS) — Galerie Quynh, in collaboration with Sofitel Saigon Plaza, will present an exhibition of works by abstract artist Tran Van Thao, one of Viet Nam's pioneering abstract painters, from today to November 22.

The works reflect 15 years of the artist's creative practice.

This is the first exhibition of a series of curated showings the gallery will organise at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

"When we close our eyes, we see shadows of the infinite, disorientation, profound depth... not just the literal meaning of shadows," Thao says of his work.

"And when we open our eyes, we see many things: sun and wind, air, objects, people... This eye-opening moment could be at any time, in any mood, can catch any subject, can recall any atmosphere."

Born in 1961 in Sai Gon, Tran Van Thao graduated from Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts University. He has held numerous exhibitions in Asia, Europe and the US.

In 2002, Thao was the recipient of the Asian Cultural Council's Starr Foundation Fellowship and spent four months as an artist-in-residence in New York. — VNS