Nguyen Duc Phuong (aka. Phuong Gio) was born in 1982 in Uoc Le - a village specialised in making giò chả (Vietnamese sausages); hence his other namesake, ‘Phương Giò’. After his graduation from the Vietnam Fine Art University in 2007, Phuong spent his time focusing on experimentation, eschewing participation in artist groups or exhibitions.

Often uses natural colors originated from soil or flowers and plants for his paintings on dzo paper (a traditional handmade paper), Phương’s works is simple but delicate and full of life. “In all of Phuong’s works, the way he sees the world is saturated with nostalgia, decadence, a mourning for things past but also full of Joie de vivre. Destruction and decay are inevitable in the circle of natural movement but it is also a hope for a rebirth. Overall, that nonchalant, carefree and simple spirit in Phuong’s artistic creations is his statement: Just by being.”

Phuong’s most recent notable exhibitions include: ‘ The Foliage 2’ – Vincom Centre of Contemporary Art, Hanoi – 2018; solo exhibition ‘Just by being’- Manzi Art Space, Hanoi – 2017; ‘Looking for the Divine Beings’ group exhibition in the series CRAFTING HOME – Nha San Collective, Hanoi - 2017