Does not attending art school hinder someone from becoming a professional artist? At least, that was not the case for Phú. Although Phú had his own doubts and struggled with the question of whether he should practice art full-time, he has now found his answer in the most balanced and natural way.

Võ Huỳnh Phú - born in the picturesque town of Bến Tre in 1993, Phú's artistic path can be described as intuitive and instinctive. Despite not having an artistic lineage, he was fortunate to receive support from his parents. From the tender age of three, Phú was drawn to art, or whatever it is, he just knew he had this immense desire to create and express his creativity. He pursued graphic design as his major at Saigon University of Technology, where he quickly gained attention with his unique approach. Phú's fascination with traditional materials, such as folklore and mystical creatures, as well as captivating stories like "Truyền kỳ mạn lục” (or, "Records of Mythical Stories", compiled by notable scholar Nguyen Du) infuse his visual language with majestic details, depth, and richness. It's worth noting that he delves deep into research about the related cultural and historical context before working on a graphic design project, ensuring that he can skillfully combine appealing elements to create the most compelling outlook for any project he undertakes. This meticulous process, at the same time, fuels his motivation and inspiration for drawing and painting.

Phú considers his creations to be the reflection of his own experiences, emotions, and his deep connection to the natural environments surrounding him (including both external and internal environments). It's as if he captures the very essence of existence, translating it into strokes and fluid blends of watercolors on paper. His paintings are a harmonious fusion of vivid details and organized chaos, transporting us beyond the boundaries of perception into the endless possibilities of his inner world - or “Inner Garden” as Phú names his latest series. With each delicate dance of colors, Phú unravels the wonders that reside within each of us, awakening our senses to the inherent vibrations that lie dormant.

Having had the opportunity to speak with Phú, we have come to admire his insatiable thirst for growth. Despite his packed schedule of graphic design projects and personal collaborations aimed at supporting the creative community, he always carves out time to create art for himself. His energy and dedication simmer as he discusses the possibility of an exhibition and shares his amazing ideas and willingness to experiment with different mediums and materials. Phú consistently pushes the boundaries of his creativity, constantly seeking fresh perspectives and honing his techniques.

Remarkably, being a self-taught artist has opened doors to a world of endless possibilities for Phú. As we eagerly anticipate the unwritten pages of Võ Huỳnh Phú's journey, we find ourselves looking forward to his next chapters with great anticipation.

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Caption:

Works from the ongoing series, Inner Garden, 2021- , gouache on Cezanne paper, dimensions variable

Photo of the artist

All images courtesy of the artist