“Hoàng’s surprising installations, use of diverse media and layered visual aesthetic made her work stand out from the beginning.”

Foam is thrilled to announce that the 18th Foam Paul Huf Award goes to Hiền Hoàng (1990, Vietnam). Her work is unique for its integration of photography, sculpture, video, installations and performances. As seen in past editions, a jury of five industry specialists reviewed more than 100 submissions of artists, who had been brought forward by 24 international nominators. Hiền Hoàng was nominated by art researcher and independent curator Aldeide Delgado and is the first Foam Paul Huf Award winner from Southeast Asia.

The jury report states: 

“We are impressed by the outstanding work of Hiền Hoàng whose practice displays a powerful and innovative visual language. She explores cultural narratives, such as the relationship between humanity and nature and the role of identity. For the series Asia Bistro – Made in Rice Hoàng uses food symbolism and unconventional surfaces to demonstrate the stereotypes that exist in Western narratives with regards to Asian culture. The work provides a sensory experience. Hoàng’s surprising installations, use of diverse media and layered visual aesthetic made her work stand out from the beginning. Her photographs escape from the static moment of a flat surface to a freely flowing moment, emitting emotions and gaining the power of connection. In doing so, Hoàng’s work bridges the gap between reality and imagination, building layers of diversive meanings.”

I’m extremely honoured to receive the 18th Foam Paul Huf Award – this means a lot to me, telling me to keep on pursuing my vision and going further on my art practice. My gratitude to jury members and to my nominator Aldeide Delgado, for believing in my work. Warmest thanks to all of the Foam Fotografie museum Amsterdam members for the support and all the amazing moments.

I am looking forward to developing my art practice further and to my solo exhibition at Foam Museum 2025.