Description
‘The King of All Maladies’ by Hoài-Phương
Artist: Hoài-Phương
Title: ‘The King of All Maladies’
Medium: Ink and natural pigments on Vietnamese silk, stretched on wooden chassis
Dimensions: 11.8″ x 7.8″
Framing: Unframed
Year of Creation: 2023
About the Artwork:
“After completing the sketch, the title ‘A Sick Flower’ appeared in my mind for this painting. However, upon finishing it and reflecting back, I couldn’t resist borrowing the name from the very book that brought inspiration and empathy to create a painting about the ancient and haunting disease that has plagued humanity—cancer.
‘The Emperor of All Maladies’, penned by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, is a chronicle of the history of cancer, tracing its origins from over 4000 years ago to the nuanced microscopic perspectives offered by modern medicine.” – Hoài-Phương
About the Artist:
As a self-taught artist hailing from Saigon, Vietnam and now based in Bologna, Italy, Hoài-Phương Nguyễn has always been driven by a passion for drawing. She transformed this hobby into a lifelong career while pursuing her B.F.A in the United States, and now as a mother of two, she continues to nurture her art practice alongside her family.
Utilizing traditional Asian techniques such as painting with natural pigments and ink, Phuong hopes to understand the essence of the past while also bringing a fresh perspective to her work. Her art is a fusion of Asian techniques and Western realism, reflecting her position as a diasporic Vietnamese constantly questioning her place and connection to her surroundings. Like a plant seeking to root itself in foreign soil, Phuong is always contemplating the East and the West within her heart.
Her work is a meditation on the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, a contemplation of the mysteries of the universe, and a search for hidden truths. Through her pieces, Phuong weaves a poignant narrative of the human experience and the beauty of natural phenomena, showcasing her deep appreciation for the complexities and wonders of the world around us.