Sotheby's celebrates its 50th anniversary by showcasing 50 works in Vietnam

Following the success of Sotheby’s first-ever exhibition in Vietnam last summer, which greeted thousands of visitors from around the world over a four-day gathering, Sotheby’s will return to the country to stage Mộng Viễn Đông - The Faraway East: of Dreams and Pursuits - an exhibition exploring the narrative of French artists who traveled to or lived in the then Indochina, and how they constructed their own visions of the land and its people.

Jean-Louis Paguenaud, La baie d'Along, Oil on canvas, 1934, 513 x 203 x 6 cm

The exhibition features over 50 works by artists including Victor Tardieu, Jean-Louis Paguenaud, and André Maire.

Commenting on the duration of the exhibition, Ace Lê, Sotheby’s Country Head of Vietnam, said: “As we are nearing the 100th anniversary of l'École des Beaux-Arts d'Indochine, it is important to recognize the contributions of the French artists who came to Vietnam, not only to set up an art academy but an entire art movement with a legacy to last.

Their journeys embody a repertoire of personal and collective ambitions, dreams, and perspectives, reflecting not just the Western influence on the Vietnamese art discourse but vice versa.”

Alix Aymé, Mon jardin à Hanoi Lacquer on panel, 1939, 70 x 50 cm

Amidst the rapidly growing economies of Southeast Asia, there is burgeoning demand and interest for Vietnamese art globally, with Sotheby’s playing a leading role in developing this critical regional market, holding the top three records for Vietnamese art at auction.

Echoing Sotheby’s continuous commitment to the dynamic and growing collector base in the region, and to further support the development of regional cultural ecosystems in Southeast Asia, Sotheby’s also hosted a series of events in Singapore, including an auction and accompanying exhibition last month at Marina Bay Sands which saw strong performance for Southeast Asian masterworks including artist records achieved for Kei Imazu, Rodel Tapaya, and Liu Kang.

Roger Baudry, Bonzes dans les ruines du Bayon, Oil on pane, circa 1940s, 75 x 170 cm

On public view from 14 – 17 August at Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City.

Link to register to attend: https://rsvp.theworldsbest.events/_4o5rz