Dinh Thu Ha’s Lotus Dream (Mộng liên hoa) embraces a classical aesthetic, juxtaposing the emerald tones of the traditional ao dai and lotus leaves against a luminous golden backdrop to craft a striking visual contrast. This collection explores the inner realm of women through a blend of realism and romanticism. The painting is featured in the Flow of Lacquer (Dòng chảy sơn mài) exhibition, showcasing works from 20 artists and running from October 10 to November 11 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The painting “Soliloquy Beneath the Moonlight” (Tự tình dưới trăng). For Dinh Thu Ha, lacquer art demands both technical mastery and enduring patience. The artist must layer and grind the lacquer through endless cycles; many organic materials risk ruin without delicate handling. “Creating lacquer is like hunting for hidden treasure—the deeper you go, the more captivating it becomes, making you lose all track of time,” the artist remarked.
The painting “Indigo Dyeing” (Nhuộm chàm) evokes the timeless charm of traditional craftsmanship.
Artist Tran Van Co pursues an eclectic color palette with his painting Thuy Du Melody (Khúc thụy du). Across more than a decade of creating and teaching, he has cherished lacquer for its rich tonal range, granting creators the freedom to experiment and pioneer modern techniques unbounded by rigid conventions.
The painting “Resonance” (Ứng), through which Le Trong Hoang draws on philosophy and spirituality to unveil the inner psyche of his subject.
Artist Olivia Mai adopts a realist touch, depicting young women practicing ballet and playing the piano.
The artist opted for a circular tondo frame for her piece Asian Beauty (Vẻ đẹp Á Đông), evoking a soft, feminine grace.
Artist Olivia Mai (right) introduces her artwork to visitors at the exhibition. Formerly the managing director of a fashion brand, she turned to lacquer painting roughly six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. The artist shared that lacquer taught her the virtue of slowness: embracing the need to start over from scratch whenever a misstep occurs, only to be swept away with joy once a piece reaches fruition after months of devotion.
Beyond feminine portraits, urban landscapes serve as a vibrant source of inspiration for several featured artists. Shadow of Time (Bóng thời gian) by Nguyen Thi Kim Tu illustrates Mong Bridge—a century-old historical landmark nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
The painting “Nostalgic Saigon” (Sài Gòn nhớ) comprises a triptych featuring Notre-Dame Cathedral by artist Duong Thi Thuy Hien.
Source: vnexpress.net
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.