Vietnamese artist Vu Cao Dam’s “Property of a Lady of Title” will be auctioned on May 2 at Sloane Street Auctions, marking the first Vietnamese artwork auctioned by this house. Vu Cao Dam, a key figure in the 20th-century art scene, draws on rich cultural influences. The auction signifies the rise of Vietnamese art in the global market, with Sloane Street also supporting charity efforts in Vietnam.
A significant auction is set for May 2 at Sloane Street Auctions in London, featuring the painting “Property of a Lady of Title” by renowned Vietnamese artist Vu Cao Dam. This event marks the first time a Vietnamese artwork will be auctioned by this prestigious house. The artwork was previously showcased during a solo exhibition for Dam in London in 1960, displayed at the Frost & Reed Gallery.
Vu Cao Dam, who lived from 1908 to 2000, was born in Hanoi into a prosperous family with fourteen siblings. From a young age, he embraced French culture, influenced by his father, a scholar with a passion for the arts. Dam later graduated from the Hanoi College of Fine Arts, where he was taught by notable French artists such as Victor Tardieu and Joseph Inguimberty.
In 1931, he received a scholarship to study further in Paris at the Ecole de Louvre. After relocating to southern France with his family in 1949, the local scenery and his proximity to fellow artist Chagall, living just a kilometre away, profoundly affected Dam’s artistic style. This influence is visible in his later works, including the auctioned piece.
Daniel Hunt, the Founder and CEO of Sloane Street Auctions, shared insights on the rising global recognition of Vietnamese art. According to him, the appreciation for artists from the Indochina period, like Dam, has surged, aided by more Vietnamese collectors entering the art market, pushing prices upward.
Sloane Street Auctions doesn’t just focus on Vietnamese art; they are also known for their specialisation in old master drawings, European furniture, impressionist works, modern art, photography, and private sales. In addition, they are committed to social causes, supporting Facing the World, a charity focused on helping children in Vietnam with craniofacial conditions since 2007.
In summary, Vu Cao Dam’s painting is poised to make history as the first Vietnamese artwork auctioned at Sloane Street Auctions. This event not only highlights the growing appreciation of Vietnamese art globally but also reflects a broader trend of increasing interest from collectors. Additionally, the auction house’s commitment to charitable efforts in Vietnam adds a layer of significance to this event.
Original Source: vietnamnet.vn