D8 Artist Spotlight - Duc Van Pham

Can you introduce yourself to us – who are you, and what kind of art do you create?

I’m a visual artist, born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam. I studied lacquerware painting at Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts and worked as an art teacher before moving to Ireland to pursue my career as a full-time artist. Recently, I’ve been focusing on abstract expressionist portraiture, exploring the diversity of people — their appearance, culture, background and the stories they carry.

What first brought you to Ireland, and what does being based in Dublin 8 mean to you as an artist?

I met and married my wife in Vietnam, and after six years working together with the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, we moved to Ireland. Living in Dublin 8 has given me a huge amount of inspiration. I’m interested in people’s stories and everyday life, and this area offers so much to explore creatively.

You’ve lived in the Liberties for fifteen years now. In what ways does it feel like a second home to you?

At first, I didn’t feel at home in the Liberties. It took time, adjusting to work, studio life, even the Dublin accent. But gradually I got to know the area and the people, and it started to feel familiar, like my childhood in Vietnam.

There’s something similar in the warmth and friendliness between Irish and Vietnamese people. Life on Meath Street, the banter, the mix of people, it reminds me of growing up in Saigon. It’s full of joy and hardship, love and loneliness, and that’s what makes it real.

Where do you draw inspiration from in the Liberties?

Everything — people, places, environment, stories. I find beauty in all of it. Real life is always my inspiration, even when it’s challenging.

Your new exhibition is called CeLiberties. Can you tell us about the title?

The name came from a walk along Thomas Street with my friend Seany. He kept getting stopped every few minutes to chat with people, and we joked that he was like a celebrity in the Liberties. That’s where “CeLiberties” came from.

The exhibition celebrates the people, places and everyday life of the area, and also reflects my own connection to it.

Can you tell us about someone who appears in your work, like your neighbour Dessie?

Dessie was a mechanic who used to knock on my door in his work clothes, bringing cans or treats he’d been given. I helped him with technology — he said I must be good at it because I’m Asian — and we had great laughs, even though I had to shout because he was deaf.

He was a real character, very kind, always looking out for others, including the kids next door. I wanted to honour him in my work. He’s a true “CeLiberties”.

How do you approach painting the Liberties? Is it about how it looks, or how it feels?

I don’t think you can capture something if you only look at it one way. I try to explore people and places from different angles, perspectives, times and spaces. That’s both the challenge and the joy of painting.

What do you hope people feel when they see your work?

I’m curious — and a little nervous — to see how people respond. I hope they see something different, something exciting, and that they enjoy the experience.

Why was it important to create a show that celebrates community and belonging?

During Covid, I felt a strong sense of community and belonging, and that has stayed with me. It keeps me grounded and gives me a belief in life and its joy.

With everything happening in the world now, that sense of connection feels more important than ever. I want to celebrate that through my work.

What’s next for you?

I feel very grateful to be part of Culture Date with Dublin 8. CeLiberties feels like just the beginning. My connection to this place keeps growing, and I want to continue exploring it in future projects.