AMSTERDAM.- Foam announced 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.”

The jury extends a special mention to the Australian-Iranian artist Hoda Afshar whose work pushes the boundaries of where documentary and conceptual photography intersect. The jury particularly highlights her project In Turn which refers to the ongoing women’s rights protests in Iran.

Hiền Hoàng’s reaction: “I am deeply honored to receive this award, which recognizes and affirms my exploration of cultural identity, human-nature interactions, and societal narratives. Asia Bistro - Made in Rice (2019-2021) dissected stereotypes faced by Vietnamese and Asian immigrants in the West, utilizing food symbolism and performance. This work challenged perceptions of ‘foreignness’ and ‘exoticness’, examining the traumatic experiences and coping mechanisms immigrants use to integrate into society. Following this, Scent from Heaven, completed in late 2023, delved into the relationship between humanity and nature, focusing on the culturally significant Agarwood from Vietnam. This project explored how pain and value are perceived and manifested through its history and usage. Currently, positioned at the intersection of art and science, my work investigates the narratives and memories associated with nature. This award inspires me to deepen my explorations, pushing further into these complex themes.”

Hiền Hoàng will receive a cash prize of €20.000 and a solo exhibition at Foam in 2025. She will see her name added to an impressive list of alumni. Previous winners include Colombian artist Felipe Romero Beltrán (2023) and South African artist Lebohang Kganye (2022).

Hiền Hoàng is a multimedia artist from Vietnam and is based in Germany. Her artistic journey is characterised by pushing the boundaries of perception through diverse media—from experimental films to immersive installations—engaging viewers in emotive landscapes and introspection. She holds a master's degree in photography and design from HAW Hamburg. Hoàng's exhibitions have been featured at prestigious venues, including Rencontres de la Photographie d'Arles, Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center Budapest, Centro Cibeles Madrid, among others. Her portfolio was included in Foam Magazine #63 FOOD!