"Today" (2010) is a stunning and major oil painting that stands as one of the most poignant and intense examples of the recent series of critically acclaimed conceptual portraits by important emerging Vietnamese artist, Le Quy Tong (Vietnam, b. 1977). "Today" is one of Le Quy Tong's most evocative portraits to-date, with the figure gazing directly and unflinchingly outwards, living in the moment, hence the title of the work. His portrait series to which this work belongs consists of close-up depictions of young, androgynous Vietnamese individuals from the artist's own generation, painted in in a manner that powerfully evokes specific moods and thoughts. The artist's portraits are further defined by a nearly monochromatic grey and sepia-toned palette, an unabashed gestural brushstroke, a dynamic yet thoughtful movement of paint and a sophisticated understanding of light. The artist is influenced by Yan Pei Ming, Jenny Saville, Marlene Dumas and Lucien Freud amongst others, yet these portraits are uniquely his own. "Today" measures 51.20 x 43.25 inches (130 x 110 cm) and is in excellent condition.

Le Quy Tong’s, earlier work were mostly cityscapes that focused on the development of Hanoi following the Doi Moi policy in 1986, a series which gained him initial world-wide acclaim. He now chooses to paint hat lies beneath the face of the Vietnamese people, addressing the emotional effects on the country, coming to terms with recent prosperity in Vietnam following so many years of hardship. Le Quy Tong Was born in Vietnam in 1977 and graduated from Hanoi Fine Art College in 2001. The artist has exhibited throughout Asia, Europe, the U.K. and U.S., including the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, Hanoi; The Estel Gallery in Tennessee US; The Henry Martin Museum, France; The German Embassy in Vietnam. His portrait paintings are particularly sought after on both the primary and secondary markets.