Pham Tang is a prominent figure in China's contemporary art scene. According to National Business Daily, he is the "most expensive" living painter in the country, with many works fetching high prices at auction. As of 2024, his total auction sales exceeded 2.3 billion CNY (320 million USD).

The marriage and assets of the calligrapher and painter Pham Tang's family garnered hundreds of millions of views and millions of comments on Weibo last week. According to Yangzi Evening News, the artist and his wife, Tu Manh, have remained silent amidst the public uproar. The conflicting attitudes of his children have raised questions surrounding this alleged "art heist" involving the famous artist.

The family drama gained attention on 16/8, when several entertainment bloggers reported that Tu Manh had seized two billion CNY (278 million USD) of her husband's assets, including antiques, paintings, and calligraphy works. She is also accused of hastily selling many of his pieces.

Pham Tang and his wife, Tu Manh. Photo: Red Note

Pham Tang and his wife, Tu Manh. Photo: Red Note

That evening, Pham Hieu Hue, Pham Tang's daughter with his second wife, Bien Bao Hoa, expressed deep concern for her father's safety. After Pham Tang's birthday on 5/7, she took her child abroad for a summer camp, maintaining contact with her father by phone.

During this time, she received news of Tu Manh's poor health and that Pham Tang was at the hospital caring for her, unable to return to Bich Thuy Trang, the family's villa. A few days later, she texted her father and received a reply stating Tu Manh was still hospitalized and they hadn't returned to the villa. Pham Hieu Hue inquired with close relatives, who all said they "didn't know Pham Tang's current whereabouts." At this point, Pham Hieu Hue immediately returned to China.

Upon arriving at Bich Thuy Trang, she was surprised to find the doors sealed shut with notices. However, the chef, nanny, and security guard—who had worked for Pham Tang for decades—were still inside. The staff hired by Tu Manh had disappeared.

Tu Manh alongside her husband while he was creating art in 2024. Video: Red Note

According to Pham Hieu Hue, Tu Manh took Pham Tang from the villa on 13/7, along with all essential belongings. Before disappearing, Tu Manh disabled the camera system and had someone remove a large number of paintings, calligraphy works, and antiques—Pham Tang's collection amassed over 50 years. Despite being unable to contact her father, his daughter said she could still text Tu Manh. However, her stepmother would not reveal their new location or her father's current condition.

Pham Tang has been married four times. Pham Hieu Hue is his only biological child and is a costume designer at the China National Peking Opera Company. In 1993, he married Truong Que Van, and her three children from a previous marriage lived with Pham Tang, taking his surname.

Pham Nhat Phu posted a picture of Pham Tang and Tu Manh (right). Photo: Red Note

Pham Nhat Phu posted a picture of Pham Tang and Tu Manh (right). Photo: Red Note

In contrast to Pham Hieu Hue's concern, Pham Nhat Phu, also a painter and Truong Que Van's son, simply posted a photo of his father with the caption: "Dad came to see the exhibition," tagging the location in France. This led many to believe Pham Tang was safe. However, according to Sohu, this was an old photo taken at an exhibition in Beijing about a month prior.

On Jimu News, a friend of Pham Tang said he met him in early August in Beijing, accompanied by Tu Manh, and noticed nothing unusual. On 16/8, he was still able to contact Pham Tang. According to this friend, there might be a conflict between Pham Tang and his daughter, and the artist might not want to see her.

Given the artist's "disappearance and silence," many question why his daughter hasn't contacted the police, instead opting to share the story on social media. Lawyer Trieu Luong Thien analyzed that given Pham Tang's age, the information disclosed by Pham Hieu Hue, including the inability to contact him, the sealed villa, Tu Manh's removal of him from their residence, and the disappearance of valuable items, Pham Hieu Hue has grounds to file a police report. Many lawyers also suggest the possibility of an internal family conflict related to asset division.

Lawyer Chu Trieu at An Kiem Law Firm in Beijing noted Pham Tang's fame. Therefore, promptly addressing public concern would help the artist avoid rumors and protect his reputation. "If Pham Tang and his wife remain unresponsive, further speculation could spread online, damaging his reputation and causing negative consequences," Chu Trieu commented.

Pham Tang's "Bronze Inscription Under Pine Tree". Photo: Sotheby's

Pham Tang's "Bronze Inscription Under Pine Tree". Photo: Sotheby's

The artist announced his marriage to Tu Manh in 4/2024. Pham Tang explained that after his third wife's passing in 2021, he suffered a minor stroke, hindering his artistic pursuits. Tu Manh lovingly cared for him, aiding his physical and mental recovery. Their shared artistic sensibilities led to their decision to marry.

His works are exhibited in museums abroad, including in Japan and the UK. Several paintings have achieved high prices at auction. Notably, "Truc Thuoc" reached over 40 million CNY (5.1 million USD), and "Linh Tuyen Dao Phong" reached 18.4 million CNY (2.5 million USD). Dozens of his other paintings have also surpassed one million USD.

Nhu Anh (YZWB, Jimu News, NBD)