Born in Saigon, Nguyen Phuoc (b.1943) graduated from the National University of Fine Arts, Ho Chi Minh City in 1965. Phuoc’s paintings are known for their play of shapes, light and shade. Neglecting the rules of academic painting, Phuoc often delivers his human figures in a pallid light which, at times, could be ghostly pale. Since 1963, Phuoc has held six solo exhibitions, participated in another 25 group shows in and outside of Vietnam. In 1994, Phuoc emigrated to the United States.‘Three Women’ exemplifies Phuoc’s technique and interest. His signature style is one of careful rendition of figures, and is usually laden with symbolism and metaphors. The meaning here however is ambivalent. The three ladies are almost spectral in appearance, with a ghoulish blue cast on their faces. They are transfixed on something/someone outside the picture plane but we are not told what has captured their attention.
