The walls are meticulously aligned with the most delicious array of colors, each precisely chosen to arouse the visual pallet of its viewers. Phung Huynh’s Postcard Paintings are a rare form of a chromatic experience for residents of Los Angeles. Both an intellectual and a visionary, Phung Huynh incorporates a common, but often mislabeled notion of cultural stereotyping into a variety of twenty 5x7 pieces that tell us stories of her experience as a Chinese American. Her paintings deeply connect with people residing in major cities such as Los Angeles, a metropolis of multicultural experiences.

At a first glance, the paintings as a whole look like one masterpiece, but upon a closer look, each collage or drawing has a life of its own and should be acquired by the numbers. Due to their small scale, putting together a few is ideal, yet each one renders an intense message . Not shying away from color, Phung Huynh’s choices are nothing but perfect, as she combines electric yellow and shades of gray or my personal favorite, a flawless pistachio with bold brush strokes of red. The braveness of her colors are complimented by a luminescence that cascades from each painting and evokes a melodious harmony. Phung’s daring choices speak loudly and convey her thoughts and philosophy of the complicated matter of not belonging and being judged. Her unpredictable pieces are draped with Chinese cherubs and lotus flowers in both a witty and shocking manner.

Phung has an impressive resume of solo shows such as the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills and her public commission for the Community Redevelopment Agency and Metropolitan Transportation Authority. With her notable past, one would assume that her work would be a huge fortune, however she wants what she creates to be accessible for anyone who admires and wishes to collect, therefore each piece is well priced and a brilliant gift idea for the holidays. It’s rare to find talent like this in a humble and culturally aware individual like Phung Huynh. Becoming addicted and collecting her paintings comes naturally to those who have the pleasure of seeing her work. Keep your eyes open for Phung Huynh’s solo show at the Sam Lee Gallery in Spring 2008.

The Postcard Paintings will be on display from December 15, 2007 through January 26, 2008 in the Project Space at Sam Lee Gallery located on 990 North Hill Street #190, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Phone 323-227-0275. For detailed information, please visit www.samleegallery.com.

Photo Credit: Sam Lee Gallery

By Tenny Hovsepians