About – Ngo Manh Quynh Artist

ABOUT NGO MANH QUYNH

A Legacy in Every Brushstroke: The Life and Art of Ngo Manh Quynh

About Ngo Manh Quynh

Ngo Manh Quynh (1917 – 1991) stands as a pioneering force in 20th-century Vietnamese art, celebrated for his masterful lacquer paintings, evocative ink wash works, and vibrant illustrations. Through each brushstroke, he honored and elevated traditional Vietnamese spirit while reaching contemporary audiences across generations.

Early Life & Education

Born in Hanoi on December 21, 1917, Ngo Manh Quynh grew up in a time of great cultural transformation. Demonstrating artistic promise from a young age, he was accepted into the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (now Vietnam University of Fine Arts), where he graduated in 1942. This rigorous education laid the foundation for his technical excellence and his signature balance between Eastern sensibility and Western composition.

Lacquer Painting

His lacquer works, such as the iconic “Thầy Pagoda,” blend Vietnamese tradition with modern vision, using minimal color yet deep emotional resonance.

Ink Wash (Thủy mặc)

Later, he explored a refined black-and-white aesthetic, pushing the boundaries of ink to craft scenes rich in storytelling and atmosphere.

Illustration:

He was a prolific illustrator who brought Vietnamese charm to works like La Fontaine’s Fables, Kim Vân Kiều, and historic educational texts, making global stories feel rooted in Vietnam.

Career & Achievements

Ngo Manh Quynh’s career spanned decades of profound artistic impact:

• He was the lead illustrator for Cậu Ấm – Cô Chiêu, Vietnam’s first children’s magazine, and contributed to many other leading publications and books.

• His works were exhibited at major shows, including “The Art of Ink Painting” in 1944 at La Crémaillère, and his innovative approach inspired changes in how art was taught and appreciated.

• He pioneered hand-printing techniques for educational books during wartime and opened private workshops to mentor future talents.

• Many of today’s renowned Vietnamese artists trace their roots to his teaching and guidance.

• His legacy has been preserved not only through his own works but also through generations of artists and educators in his family.

Legacy & Influence

Ngo Manh Quynh’s lasting influence is seen in every corner of Vietnamese art—from the pages of early children’s books, to the textured beauty of sơn mài lacquer, to the fresh perspectives of contemporary painters. He created communities of learning and left an enduring mark of innovation, warmth, and Vietnamese character.

Selected Press & Further Reading

What Makes Ngo Manh Quynh Different

• Indochine Fusion: Seamlessly fusing Vietnamese cultural roots with European techniques to create a body of work at once local and universal.

• Poetic Vision: His work transcended representation, communicating emotion, memory, and life’s quiet beauty.

• Hidden Legacy, Rediscovered: A master whose reputation was eclipsed by turbulent times, now shining again for new eyes.

“My greatest wish was to see Vietnamese people, our faces, our stories, reflected in works that would last for generations.”
— Ngo Manh Quynh

Through dedication, creativity, and heart, Ngo Manh Quynh transformed the language of Vietnamese visual art. Thank you for joining us in celebrating his extraordinary journey.