Vietnam: The Art of War builds on more than 20 years of research in Vietnam and overseas to add a fresh perspective to these world-changing events that left such an imprint on so many lives and so many countries in the 20th century – our century.

In addition to numerous interviews with the artists and their families, the researchers and writers behind Vietnam: The Art of War has been given comprehensive access to Witness Collection and its archives, one of the world’s largest private collections of Vietnamese art, based in Southeast Asia. This project has been supported by Asiarta Foundation, a non-profit art foundation, to assemble these illuminating untold stories.

Artist Biographies

Vitetnam: The Art of War documents the decades of conflict that took place in Vietnam during the 20th century through the experiences of the Vietnamese artists who lived through it. Through extensive research and live interviews, we have built a comprehensive archive of artist biographies.

FRENCH INFLUENCED ARTISTS
THE CONFLICT WITH AMERICA
POST-WAR SOCIALIST REALISM

War Art Through the Generations

Vietnam: The Art of War has concentrated its research on three eras of Vietnamese conflict. Artwork in our galleries reflects the breadth of history documented by the sketches and paintings of Vietnamese war artists. From the bunkers of Điện Biên Phủ during the First Indochina War, to the mangorve swamps in the Mekong Delta during the American War, war artists have seen it all.

FIRST GENERATION
SECOND GENERATION
THIRD GENERATION

Witness Collection Documentary Videos

In collaboration with Witness Collection, Vietnam: The Art of War offers a selection of short documentary videos that combine filmed interviews with Vietnamese war art and historical photos. Our films present war artists at their most intimate: kind, generous, humorous and alert. Watch unique stories covering topics from revolutionary leader Hồ Chí Minh to fighting alongside ethnic minority groups.

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