Practicing Buddhism through Nguyen Minh Phuoc’s paintings
In the works of Nguyen Minh Phuoc, the image of the monk transcends monastic life to stand as a symbol of stillness, contemplation, and the journey inward. Set within vast and open spaces, saffron-robed figures and slow, deliberate footsteps invite viewers to drift away from the bustle of daily life and listen to their own inner voice. His paintings open a world steeped in meditationone that encourages the observer to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the spirit.
Know more about Nguyen Minh Phuoc
Born in 1973 in Hanoi, Nguyen Minh Phuoc graduated from the Hanoi Fine Art University in 1997. From 1997 to 2000, he taught at the National Pedagogy of Music & Painting College before devoting himself to creative practice, artistic curation, and participating in exhibitions both within Vietnam and abroad. His works have been showcased in Vietnam, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Norway, Switzerland, China, and Taiwan.
Nguyen Minh Phuoc is recognized as a pioneering figure in post-Renovation Vietnamese art. Since the early 2000s, he has stood out for his non-traditional mindset, notably as a member of the first Nha San artist collective. His installations marked the early phase of Vietnamese contemporary art. In 2003, he founded Ryllega Art Space, dedicated to new artistic disciplines, inspiring and supporting artists to experiment with contemporary themes and practices.
In his paintings, Nguyen Minh Phuoc brings meditation and introspection to life using vast, dreamlike spaces reminiscent of deserts or undefined contemplative realms outside specific time or place. Against these silent backgrounds, monks - often seen from behind, small and humble - embody a sense of tranquility and void. The expansive negative space, warm tones, and the gentle pace of his subjects invite the viewer to witness inner transformation, while also offering a quiet visual sanctuary for reflecting on the spiritual dimension of existence.
Nguyen Minh Phuoc’s pictured (Source: FB Nguyen Minh Phuoc)
Bringing monastic life into contemporary art
Going to the pagoda at the beginning of the year has become a custom and an indispensable cultural feature of the Vietnamese. Standing in front of the sacred Buddha’s door, our souls let go of burdens, making room for purity and light to lead the way to peace in the new year.
When you go to the temple, you cannot miss the presence of monks. Simply and quietly, images of monks appear as guides to the realm of meditation and contemplation. For artist Nguyen Minh Phuoc, these sages also opened the door to the endless flow of inspiration in painting. His works almost exclusively revolve around how the simple silhouettes of robes gently touch the souls of art lovers.
Not focusing on depicting the scene, Nguyen Minh Phuoc’s paintings place monks in the middle of a desert of thoughts, sometimes hot and red, sometimes warm and gentle. Amidst the chaos of consciousness woven into each brush stroke, the backs of the monks are still steadfast and steadfast, facing forward without any worries. It seemed like they knew the final destination and had found the answer to the concerns of the viewers standing behind them.
Whether walking alone or in groups, the footsteps of practice glide through the nothingness of the boundless ocean of suffering, bringing viewers to profound contemplations. The entire scene is outside the normal laws of space and time, like a mirror reflecting each person’s ego.
Extremely intelligent and skillful in using pastel and warm shades, Nguyen Minh Phuoc creates unique visual experiences that are full of peace and softness. Even though he uses hot colors like yellow, pink, or red, his paintings never feel stuffy. Art is like religion; whether people can find enlightenment or not completely depends on each individual’s ideas, application, and understanding.
At the beginning of the year, go to the temple to find peace and happiness. At the beginning of the year, go see paintings to expand your horizons and enrich your soul, waiting for a colorful new year. No matter where they go, in the end, everyone wants to “open their eyes” and travel to other lands, a place to rest, separate from the cycle of the hustle and bustle of life out there. Although these dimensions are out of reach, they create a peaceful lake in the hearts of the audience.
Sharing the same core as religion, the artist also wants to bring viewers to unique meditation experiences. As a prominent name in the world of contemporary Vietnamese artists, Nguyen Minh Phuoc has demonstrated the perfect blend between art and idealistic themes such as Buddhism.
Participating in many exhibitions at home and abroad, he diligently transformed his enthusiasm into purity on canvas through images of monks. With more than thirty years of pursuing art, has Nguyen Minh Phuoc found peace?
Selected artworks by Nguyen Minh Phuoc
Step toward light
In “Step toward light”, an oil painting measuring 100 x 100 cm, a radiant golden hue fills the entire canvas. The color does not overwhelm, but instead gently embraces the composition, evoking hope, wisdom, and enlightenment. The monks are portrayed not as passive recipients of illumination, but as quiet travelers moving steadily forward. While the journey ahead may be long, their calm, deliberate stride expresses a spirit of peace inching ever closer with each step.
This work reminds us that peace is not always inherent or easily found, sometimes, reaching the desired light means persevering - learning to face oneself and persist in the journey.
The gentle warmth of “Step toward light” by Nguyen Minh Phuoc
Sulitude in crimson
“Sulitude in crimson” also painted in oil (100 x 100 cm), adopts a deep red palette. Against this vast and sometimes harsh backdrop, the solitary monk evokes solitude and the challenges yet to come. Here, red does not solely signal hardship, but also inner strength, vitality, and the readiness to overcome one’s own boundaries.
Thus, this journey is not only a physical voyage, but also an inward journey. Each step stirs consciousness, encouraging self-confrontation, resilience, and steadfast movement forward. Through this, Nguyen Minh Phuoc suggests that lasting peace emerges when we are brave enough to face trials and draw strength from within.
“Sulitude in crimson” by Nguyen Minh Phuoc - oil on canvas, offering a landscape for reflection and introspection
Beginning
Like the previous works, “Beginning” is painted in oil and measures 100 x 100 cm. Here, monks again traverse a seemingly boundless desert, but rather than advancing in a single line, the figures in this composition form a long procession, following one another toward an uncertain horizon. This arrangement creates a vivid sense of movement and evokes the idea of a guided journey - one of companionship and progression. The path remains uncertain, yet the steady, tranquil footsteps reflect conviction, faith, and readiness to embrace any challenge that lies ahead.
“Beginning” - a work marking new beginnings from Nguyen Minh Phuoc
Exploring contemporary Vietnamese art enthusiasts can discover more of Nguyen Minh Phuoc’s paintings at Green Palm Gallery. For detailed information on available works and advice on selecting the right piece, please contact the gallery staff.
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GREEN PALM GALLERY Gallery in Ha Noi: 39 Hang Gai, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Gallery in HCM City: 49 Mac Thi Buoi, HCM City, Viet Nam
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