Lê Phô

(1907–2001)

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Biography

Lê Phô is an important Vietnamese best known for his stylized depictions of nudes, gardens, and floral still lifes. Born in 1902, Le Pho received a very complete education, including training in brush painting. At the age of 18 Le Pho went to study at the School of Fine Arts of Hanoi for five years. Then, in 1932, he moved to Paris and studied with Victor François Tardieu at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.

After completing his education, Le Pho briefly returned to Vietnam to teach at the School of Fine Arts for four years.

Then in 1937 he returned to Paris as a delegate and jury for the International Exhibition.

During the 1940’s and 1950’s, Le Pho travelled a lot in Europe and Asia. At this period, Le Pho painted with long, thin brushes of watercolor on silk. He painted Asian’s tradional subjects like birds, bamboo, and lotus flowers. His work was clearly influenced by Pierre Bonnard and Odilon Redon.

Lê Phô died in 2001. He was very successul at the end of his career, represented in many exhibitions and shows throughout Europe and the United States. His works are part of the permanent collections of Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Vietnam Museum of Modern Art, and the Oklahoma Art Center.