Curator’s Statement by Pham Thi Diep Giang

Art, for me, is not merely an object to be admired but a story waiting to be told. My journey as a curator, writer, and collector has been one of uncovering these stories and connecting them to broader cultural and historical narratives. Over the past two decades, I have immersed myself in the world of art and Vietnamese antique ceramics, cultivating a deep appreciation for their ability to bridge past and present. This passion is reflected in my book A Collector’s Notes, which was successfully received in Vietnam in 2023, offering readers an intimate exploration of the world of art collecting and the stories behind significant works.

My professional background is equally rooted in global experience and local heritage. Having studied and worked in South Korea, The Netherlands, Israel, the United States, Switzerland, and now Milan, Italy, I bring an international perspective to my curatorial work. My current pursuit of an MA in Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies in Milan enhances my ability to situate Vietnamese art within global conversations while preserving its unique cultural essence.

Between 2018 and 2023, I had the privilege of establishing and managing the World Coffee Museum in Vietnam, a groundbreaking cultural institution where I curated over 20 exhibitions. This experience honed my ability to craft narratives that resonate across diverse audiences, blending history, culture, and contemporary art in meaningful ways. Building on this foundation, I founded Zanga Arts Space, dedicated to promoting Vietnamese contemporary art, and Tathata Space, which highlights the timeless beauty and significance of Vietnamese antique ceramics. These spaces represent my commitment to honoring Vietnam’s artistic legacy while fostering innovation and dialogue.

As a curator, my projects are deeply influenced by Vietnam’s rich cultural and historical context but are never confined by it. They explore universal themes such as resilience, identity, and the intersections of art, history, and society. My exhibitions often challenge traditional narratives, inviting audiences to reflect on the evolving roles of art in times of conflict, change, and economic upheaval.

My writing complements my curatorial work, delving into the theoretical and practical aspects of curation. Whether exploring the evolving role of curators, the history of collecting, or the transformative power of museums, my work seeks to bridge academic inquiry and lived experience. This dual focus on theory and practice allows me to approach curation as both a discipline and a creative act of storytelling.

Collecting, curating, and writing are interconnected threads in my journey as an art professional. Together, they allow me to engage with art on multiple levels—personal, historical, and cultural. My goal is to create spaces and narratives where art becomes a bridge, connecting diverse perspectives and inspiring dialogue. Whether curating exhibitions, writing books, or building cultural institutions, I am driven by a belief in art’s power to preserve heritage, provoke thought, and imagine new possibilities. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ways art shapes, and is shaped by, the world around us.