Bao Pham, Cloud of Bougainvilleas in Summer Hues. Image: Artist/CHG

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA —Human emotions are at the core of new works by Bao Pham set to go on display at the Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition is titled Summer Hues. In each work, the artist excavates deep human emotions to reveal hidden truths.  

Pham’s new series is a continuation of his 2019 series titled The Rain that focused on the feelings of joy and sadness that come with a spring shower.

The paintings in Summer Hues were inspired by current events, especially the coronavirus. Like many people, Bao Pham had to stay home to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19.  To battle the mental and psychological impact of isolation, he dug deep within and excavated the happy days of summer with all its glorious beauty.

Pham’s new paintings result from the artist reminiscing and looking back to the good old days before COVID-19 demoralized every aspect of our fun existence.  He notes:

“During a time of isolation, I found myself looking to the outdoors, reminiscing about a lost summer. Figures are seen basking in the sun-drenched landscape, tangling among a mixture of blooming flowers and birds of the mid-west. Time seems to slow down enough for them to soak up the warmth and colors of summer.”

Pham’s soft, precise, and colorful painting style are unmistakable in these new portraits. They are creatively explored to enhance the pensive figures set in lush natural settings and landscapes. Sometimes, a touch of surrealism elevates the figures to the apex of spirituality. Crown of Morning Glories belongs in this category.

Wearing the Crown of Morning Glories

Crown of Morning Glories is the portrait of a woman who appears to be praying. Her eyes are closed, and her neck is stretched as if in a spiritual conversation. Around her head is a Crown of Morning Gloriesaccentuated by green leaves. Two birds-one in front and another at the back- suck nectars from the flowers. The delicate rendition of the flowers and the blue landscape encapsulates the woman’s trans-like meditative state. Her solemnity speaks to her desire and need.

Several paintings in the new collection have eastern elements and designs. Perhaps this is more obvious in Cloud of Bougainvilleas. This is the portrait of a beautiful girl in a blue dress. The lingering clouds design on her dress and facial expression reveal an unmistakable externalization of internal sadness. Around her head is a bunch of Bougainvilleas and some beautiful butterflies. What is wrong with her? This painting is instantly fascinating. The color scheme, mood, and rendition make it very engaging.

There is brilliance in the way Bao Pham captures beauty and emotions. His portraits of women are beautiful. Their subtle skin tones and the lushness of the flowers they wear are delicately charming. Yet, each image is laden with emotions in ways that will make the viewer ponder the conflict of beauty and emotion.

Several of Pham’s portraits are reminiscent of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. In composition and rendition, they present a mesmerizing mystery that people will grapple with for years. The enigmatic grin, taunting frown, meditative state, and distance landscapes will engender contemplative reasoning.

Bao Pham’s graduated from the University of Iowa in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After working as a digital illustrator for many years, he found a new direction working with a variety of traditional media. Pham’s art is instantly recognizable. His attention to detail and the ability to capture moods using soft pallets are distinct. He incorporates eastern elements and designs in his paintings using traditional western techniques. The Iowa-based Vietnamese painter and illustrator hopes to create works that speak to his heritage and the environment that he lives in.