In Black and White: Stories from Vietnam

At first glance whimsical, ‘Teddy Bears, Sea and Sky, Phuoc Tinh’ layers playfulness with poignancy. Teddy bears appear against a backdrop of vast sea and endless sky, bridging the innocence of childhood with the immensity of nature. The juxtaposition transforms the scene into something both tender and mysterious, suggesting themes of memory, vulnerability, and belonging. Set in the coastal village of Phuoc Tinh, the work reflects Mark’s ability to find poetry in unexpected places, turning a moment of quiet observation into a meditation on human connection and the wonder embedded in everyday surroundings. This linocut captures a narrow hẻm—one of the small alleyways that weave like veins through Vietnam’s cities. The composition draws the viewer into a play of light and shadow, using stark contrasts to emphasize the layered textures of urban life, turning the everyday passage into a site of quiet mystery. Through this work, Mark invites contemplation on how these hidden spaces hold both intimacy and community, thus embodying his vision of finding depth within the everyday streets of Vietnam.

Figures wade into the surf at Tran Phu Street, their forms both distinct and fleeting, echoing the transient yet timeless bond between people and the ocean. Mark uses bold contrasts to evoke the sparkle of sunlight on waves and the movement of bodies in the water. The piece reflects how Vietnamese coastal life intertwines leisure, livelihood, and tradition, while also expressing the universal human pull toward the sea as a place of renewal and connection.

Image Credits

All Images Are © Mark James Murphy

Guest Artist Bio
Mark James Murphy

Mark James Murphy is a British artist and printmaker whose linocut works explore the mystery and beauty hidden in everyday surroundings. Born in 1982, in Sunderland, North‑East England, his practice is rooted in both storytelling and the labor‑intensive craft of relief printing. Each piece is hand‑carved and pressed, a process that leaves visible traces of effort—daubs of black ink and finely cut lines—that echo the industrial history of his home region.

Now based in Vietnam, Mark draws inspiration from both his local environment and his travels, creating prints that merge cultural heritage with contemporary observation. His work often balances bold contrasts with subtle detail, inviting viewers to pause and look closer at the familiar landscapes and fleeting moments that shape our lives.

Mark’s linocuts have been exhibited internationally, most recently at a showcase of British artists living in Vietnam at the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond the gallery, his prints have also been adapted into murals, expanding the reach of his imagery into public and private spaces.

Blog / Website: Mark James Murphy | Explore Unique Art

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Recent Guest Artist Articles:

• In Black and White: Stories from Vietnam
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• "Listen, I Have Something To Tell You"
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