The series “The Prolonged Interventions” combines social variables — human, animals and specific habitats — within the theme of Agent Dioxins in Vietnam. Created in a surrealist style, the series draws from existing data about children affected by dioxin, whose remains are preserved in glass jars with formaldehyde at Tu Du Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City and at Bien Hung Lake District in Dong Nai Province. These locations were significant as herbicide storage sites for Operation Ranch Hand, conducted during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1972. Phi Long drew on these prolonged interventions in history and recent conflicts as inspiration for his paintings.

To maintain simplicity, Mr. Long worked with black ink on natural Do paper, a choice that preserved the uniform tonal quality of the painting surface. This minimalist approach served as the basis for his exploration of linework, allowing him to merge human figures, animals, and imagined landscapes that do not exist in reality. Through restructuring imagery, space, environment, and time, he assembled elements into metaphysical compositions. His work is infused with bold forms and striking shapes that are immediately recognizable. The paintings evoke a powerful sense of dynamism—an interplay of explosion, turbulence, and perforation—where humans and animals coexist in a landscape of peace interwoven with deep emotional scars.

The title “The Prolonged Interventions” reflects a recollection of old memories tied to historical realities. Mr. Long sought to confront and dismantle intense emotions buried beneath the surface, much like breaking through a solid wall, to address the enduring legacy of the Vietnam War. His work challenges the societal inertia that traps modern individuals between opposing forces, highlighting the struggle to find meaningful solutions for shared issues, including the long-standing problems caused by dioxin in Vietnam.

This series was part of an exhibition titled “Body Bouquet” at Welch School Galleries in Atlanta, GA.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Curator: Tuan Andrew Nguyen
Assistant: Phong Nguyen