Bùi Xuân Phái - The Artist Who Recorded the History of Hanoi Through His Soul

In the flow of 20th-century Vietnamese art, Bùi Xuân Phái's paintings emerge as a symbol of profound affection for all things belonging to the past. This exhibition, “Paintings on Paper,” stands as clear evidence of an untiring creative journey, where the artist distilled the simplest things into the realm of eternity. These are not merely paintings; they are the soul of Hanoi and a precious part of modern Vietnamese artistic heritage. Through these works on paper, we gain a comprehensive and profound view of Bùi Xuân Phái’s artistic world.

Paper paintings - a humble medium - became refined and elegant in his hands through sophisticated color harmonies, transforming specific street corners into a uniquely Vietnamese “soul of the streets.”

This collection of gouache paintings is not merely a body of work but a visual diary by a master artist. Bùi Xuân Phái proved that art does not require luxurious materials or grand subjects. With only paper, paint, and a heart overflowing with love, he created immortal works - a space where anyone who enters feels comforted by memory and serenity.

Through this exhibition and book launch, art lovers will have the opportunity to appreciate the familiar themes for which Bùi Xuân Phái is best known:

• Streetscapes, his signature subject
• Portraits of family members, friends, and self-portraits
• Traditional chèo theater works
• Nude paintings and works inspired by the poetry of Hồ Xuân Hương
• Rural landscapes and scenes from various regions such as the Đà River, Nguyên Bình Market, Quảng Ninh coal mines, and urban scenes of Saigon in 1979
• Still-life paintings from 1972 and Mid-Autumn Festival works
• A series of abstract paintings created before his passing

“Bùi Xuân Phái - Paintings on Paper” is published by Vietnam Women's Publishing House. The 320-page volume is edited by Bùi Thanh Phương and Trần Hậu Tuấn on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the passing of renowned artist Bùi Xuân Phái (24/6/1988 - 24/6/2026).

Let us meet in the world of “Paper Paintings - Bùi Xuân Phái” and experience those primal emotions together.

SHOWCASE INFO:
Duration: 20 June - 20 July 2026
Opening hours: 10:00AM - 12:00PM and 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Address: Eight Gallery | 357/2 Nguyễn Trọng Tuyển, Tân Sơn Hoà Ward, HCMC

Admission to the gallery is free of charge, we only accept guests with prior reservation. Last admission at 04:30 PM.

For more information and reservation to view the artworks, please reach out to us through eightgallery.vn@gmail.com, or our Instagram and Facebook page, and check our website at www.eightgalleryvn.com.