Nguyen Cong Cu
'Reading Newspaper I' Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media
2012

About the Item

‘Reading Newspaper 1’ is a medium size abstract expressionist Basquiat-inspired acrylic and newsprint on canvas painting created by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Cong Cu in 2012. Featuring a combination of newsprint and acrylic paint, the artist created a striking vision of intensity, mixing news of the day with a naïve depiction of a face, hand and bouquets of flowers that seem to be peaking through the torn assemblage of papers. A wide-open eye is looking directly at us, reversing the traditional rapport between the viewer and the subject. The word tough, placed next to the eye, exacerbates the sense of intensity of the piece. As if overwhelmed with the chaos of daily life reported by the news, the subject, placed in a lateral position instead of vertical, highlights the sense of unease of the piece. The dark color of the background creates a stark contrast with the light color of the newspaper arrangement. Unframed, this painting is signed lower right. With its fascinating composition and nice proportions, this abstract expressionist painting will be an undeniable focal point in any home, perhaps placed above a console table, sofa or buffet. Nguyen Cong Cu is an artist that has received recognition for his striking gritty urban commentaries on navigating contemporary life in Vietnam. It is at once both provocative and familiar as he draws inspiration from Basquiat while applying the surreal expressionism through his own original lens. His use of oil and acrylic on canvas gives a unique perspective and interpretation of the human condition. 1969 : Born in Hung Yen Province 1993 : Graduated from Hanoi Industrial Fine-Art College Works and lives in Hanoi Nguyen Cong Cu's works are part of private collections in Denmark, Canada, America and Australia Exhibition: 2013 Exhibition Art Wynwood, Miami Florida, GB-AiBo Asian Art 2012 Exhibition Art Asia Miami, Florida, GB-AiBo Asian Art 2005: Group Exhibition "Vietnam Now" in Seattle, USA. 2004: Group Exhibition in Thailand 2002: 'VISION', his first art exhibition at Dong Phong Art Gallery 14 Ngo Quyen - Hanoi

Creator:
Nguyen Cong Cu (1969, Vietnamese)
Creation Year:
2012
Dimensions:
Height: 40 in (101.6 cm)Width: 31 in (78.74 cm)
Medium:
Newsprint,Canvas,Acrylic
Movement & Style:
Abstract Expressionist
Period:
21st Century
Condition:
Gallery Location:
Rye, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU425312229312
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