Cover The right wing of the living room with the video art work “WTC in Four Moments (2014)” is favored in the center of the penthouse living room (Photo: RABHUU)
The right wing of the living room with the video art work “WTC in Four Moments (2014)” is favored in the center of the penthouse living room (Photo: RABHUU)
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Stepping into Lan Vy Tran’s penthouse, one is struck by the sense of an exhibition space—where layers of memories are stacked upon each other, spontaneous yet deeply evocative
A visit to the home of Lan Vy Tran—Consultant and Representative of Phillips Auction House in Vietnam—feels like an art-world adventure, led by a young yet seasoned collector. Yet, for any guest, a home remains an enigma until experienced firsthand. Curiosity heightens as visitors approach the ancient Chinese doors, their round brass handles softened by time. As the door swings open, an intimate space unexpectedly turns inviting. The initial impression of a contemporary art-filled interior soon shifts into something more personal—an unfolding journey through the origins of Lan Vy’s artistic soul. Every story begins somewhere, and hers started long before she was born.
Twenty years ago, this penthouse boasted sweeping views over Saigon’s lush suburbs, framed by expansive glass windows. Though time has transformed the landscape, the essence of the home remains unchanged.
Above The left wing of the living room, featuring a striking painting by Nguyen Trung (Photo: RABHUU)
The left wing of the living room, featuring a striking painting by Nguyen Trung (Photo: RABHUU)
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At first glance, the interiors resemble an art gallery, with layered memories and carefully placed objects—such as the art books stacked casually on the central coffee table. Lan Vy has lived here since childhood, and the passage of time is subtly imprinted in every detail. From festive Christmas gatherings to quiet afternoons lounging on the sofa, moments have been absorbed into the timeworn leather of an armchair, its surface gently cracked with nostalgia. The first discovery on this artistic journey is a pair of pristine Ming Dynasty chairs, their wide seats and elegantly curved armrests preserved in exquisite detail. Though a simple spot where Lan Vy pauses to slip on her shoes, this tranquil corner behind the door remains one of her favourite spaces.
Moving through the penthouse, the rhythm of the art feels almost like the plucking of a string, each note resonating with emotion. From the living room and kitchen to the hallway and bedroom, the entire home is painted in crisp white—a deliberate choice to allow every surface to serve as a canvas for future works.
Above Transitional space between living room and bedroom (Photo: RABHUU)
Transitional space between living room and bedroom (Photo: RABHUU)
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“Before this house, there were artworks that had been with my parents for more than 30 years.” Spanning two generations of art lovers, the penthouse is a living archive of the collection Lan Vy’s parents began and which she has continued to enrich over the years. Ancient ceramics, Nguyen Trung’s paintings, and even a chair ingeniously crafted by her mother from a repurposed aircraft wreck are all part of the home’s evolving narrative. Yet, beyond these curated pieces, the penthouse is also defined by its natural light, sweeping terrace, and ever-present breeze—elements that lend a sense of harmony and completeness.
With its open layout, the penthouse offers fluidity, yet the presence of doors marks distinct moments of privacy. Nowhere is this contrast more evident than in the kitchen. For those who associate home with the comforting scent of a meal wafting into the living room, Lan Vy’s kitchen comes as a surprise—it is enclosed, concealing an intimate world within. Perhaps that is the privilege of those invited inside: to experience the warmth of a home-cooked meal, its aroma brimming with anticipation, embracing guests as they gather at the dining table. The kitchen evokes the simple pleasure of returning home after a long journey—where the scent of familiar flavours instantly draws one back to the present.
Read more: Home tour: The stilt house in Hue is like a crossroads of time
Above A sleek, modern kitchen and dining area, enhanced by intricate wooden panelling that nods to tradition (Photo: RABHUU)
A sleek, modern kitchen and dining area, enhanced by intricate wooden panelling that nods to tradition (Photo: RABHUU)
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Perhaps the memories of gathering with family have shaped Lan Vy’s emotional perspective on art, as her decision to acquire works is always guided by a sense of affection and connection. Her collection includes paintings brought back from galleries, objects that become lifelong companions after each journey, and works that serve as reminders of close family friends. A striking example is the cyanotype painting created by Taiwanese artist Wu Chi-Tsung during his visit to Lan Vy’s family in 2017. Commanding attention at the staircase with its large-scale presence, the piece was completed entirely within the home.
One of Lan Vy’s most vivid recollections is visiting the late artist Dinh Q. Lê’s private studio with her father, where they acquired WTC in Four Moments (2014)—a video artwork now positioned at the heart of the living room. Drawing on the changing seasons to reflect the lingering spectre of the September 11 attacks in the United States, the piece resonated deeply with them both. “We both loved the work,” Lan Vy recalls, “so we decided to buy it together.” As the renowned painter Piet Mondrian once said: “The position of the artist is very humble. Basically, they are a bridge.”
Above The right wing of the living room, with the video artwork WTC in Four Moments (2014) as its focal point (Photo: RABHUU)
The right wing of the living room, with the video artwork WTC in Four Moments (2014) as its focal point (Photo: RABHUU)
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Lan Vy’s relationship with art is as natural as breathing. From an early age, she accompanied her parents to exhibitions and galleries, developing a deep appreciation for Vietnamese art. Traces of an older artistic generation endure in the penthouse, evident in the intricate wooden relief panels and meticulously carved details. The previous homeowners had also amassed an extensive collection of ancient ceramic sculptures and contemporary Vietnamese paintings, the most remarkable of which is a marble chessboard handcrafted in Italy.
Despite being grounded in Vietnamese art, Lan Vy’s personal tastes have evolved, shaped by both sentiment and a fresh perspective. While she has inherited her family’s legacy, her own curatorial direction leans towards young international artists, particularly from Japan, Britain, and China.
Collecting art for the home is often an intuitive process. Lan Vy and her family do not meticulously plan where each piece will go; rather, they follow an organic approach. “When we buy a work, it’s simply because we love it,” she explains, “and once it’s in the house, we find a way to make it fit.” The two Nguyen Trung paintings in the living room exemplify this philosophy. Acquired long before the penthouse existed, they now feel effortlessly in sync with the space. This spontaneity has created an intriguing environment, where a classic rattan bench with gently curved edges sits harmoniously alongside the modernist solidity of the Taliesin Lamp—a striking design by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Talesin Lamp designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
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A home inevitably evolves alongside its inhabitants. Once a purely family residence, the penthouse has now taken on new roles—as a place for hosting guests, showcasing art, and serving as a sanctuary between travels. Looking ahead, Lan Vy envisions introducing new works, rotating certain paintings, yet preserving the essence of the space. Still, beyond all its “new roles,” the home will always return to its most fundamental purpose: a place where memories are cherished and where each new journey begins.
Article published from the print publication Tatler Vietnam November 2024 issue
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Photography: RABHUU
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