Hong Kong – Fresh-to-market works by Vietnamese modern art masters – Le Pho and Vu Cao Dam – from the Findlay Galleries Collection will lead Bonhams' Southeast Asian Modern & Contemporary Art Sale on 25 September in Hong Kong. The sale also offers notable pieces from the post-Vietnam war generation, together illustrating the rich evolution of Vietnamese art over the decades. Additional highlights include Burmese art and works by renowned Southeast Asian artists such as Lee Man Fong, Cheong Soo Peng, Affandi, and But Muchtar.
 
Joan Yip, Senior Specialist and Head of Sale of Bonhams Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, commented: "Global interest in Vietnamese art is on the rise, as evidenced by strong auction results. Building on this momentum, our September sale will showcase a selection of Vietnamese art spanning generations from Indochina to Doi Moi, offering collectors insight into its evolution. A major highlight is the Findlay Galleries Collection, featuring works by Le Pho and Vu Cao Dam, returning after a white glove sale this May. Additionally, we are excited to introduce Burmese art – a vibrant, emerging genre that enriches the Southeast Asian art landscape."

FINDLAY GALLERIES COLLECTION
The Indochina School of Fine Arts (École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine) was founded in Hanoi in 1925 during French colonial rule in Vietnam. The institution played a crucial role in developing Vietnamese modern art, nurturing generations of artists adept at blending traditional Vietnamese techniques with Western practices. Notable students include Le Pho and Vu Cao Dam, whose influence made the Indochina period a significant milestone in Vietnamese art history.

Nine fresh-to-market works by Le Pho and Vu Cao Dam from the Findlay Galleries Collection will headline the sale. Handpicked by James R. Borynack, the current owner of the galleries, these works were acquired directly from the artists in the 1970s and 1980s by Wally Findlay, who, as a third-generation leader of his family's gallery business, played a pioneering role in promoting Vietnamese art in America and elevating Le Pho and Vu Cao Dam to fame, paving the way for their global acclaim. Leading the collection is Le Pho's Jeunes Femmes dans le Jardin, estimated at HK$900,000–1,200,000.

A NEW WAVE: VIETNAMESE MODERN ART AFTER DOI MOI
The sale also features works from the War-time period through to the Doi Moi generation, which emerged after Vietnam's economic reforms in 1986, bringing a new wave of creativity and freedom to Vietnamese art. This period saw local artworks gaining visibility on the global stage and enjoying broader appeal. These works showcase diverse techniques and create a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, while exploring themes of national identity, cultural heritage, and global trends.

Highlights include a canvas by Nguyen Trung, whose works explore themes of identity and cultural heritage. Mango Garden (estimate: HK$150,000 – 250,000), expressing a tranquil harmony between a lady and nature, is a large work by the artist. Another featured work is Green Garden (estimate: HK$150,000 – 250,000), by Tran Luu Hau, a prominent Vietnamese artist renowned for his bold brushwork and commitment to abstraction. Bonhams currently holds his top four auction records, with the most recent one being Hanoi Trees, which achieved HK$702,500 in October 2023.

AN EMERGING FOCUS: BURMESE MODERN ART
Burmese modern art is a vibrant and growing genre that blends global influences with traditional themes. Influenced by modernist movements such as Impressionism, Expressionism, and abstraction, Burmese artists create works characterised by dynamic brushstrokes and innovative compositions, while traditional elements like Buddhist iconography and classical themes remain central. Notable artists include U Ngwe Gaing (1901-1967), whose work Untitled is a prime example of the genre and is offered with an estimate of HK$150,000 – 250,000.

FURTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SALE
• Lee Man Fong, Rooster and Hen (circa 1965). Estimate: HK$100,000 – 180,000
• Affandi, Resting Man (1966). Estimate: HK$600,000 – 800,000
• But Muchtar, Seated Ladies (1950). Estimate: HK$120,000 – 200,000

In addition to the live auction on 25 September, the Southeast Asian Modern & Contemporary Art Online Sale will run from 20 – 30 September on bonhams.com