Classic, contemporary beauty of Vietnamese women reflected

HA NOI — The beauty of Vietnamese women in the silk paintings by the late artist Mai Trung Thu inspired young artist Nguyen Ngoc Vu (Rabbit Boy) to create a series of paintings with the theme of “Dep Contemporary”.

Drawing on the neo-classic beauty in Thu’s paintings, Vu hopes to introduce a new perspective on the timeless beauty of Vietnamese women.

The project includes five artworks recreating the image of elegant, graceful Vietnamese young women in a contemporary context. Pop-art, modern images displayed at the Lotte Department Store and on print goodies are the bridge between the quintessence of Vietnamese culture and the souls of art enthusiasts.

Thu (1906-80) was the master of Vietnamese silk paintings. After graduating from Class I of Indochina College of Fine Arts, he specialised in oil-on-canvas paintings at first, then switched to silk paintings and made a name for himself with this art.

From 1936, he decided to reside in France, but always bore a part of the homeland in his soul. His artworks have a strong sense of tradition, with images of Vietnamese women in daily life: combing their hair, chatting, having tea and praying; and of kids playing by the river, wrestling and learning embroidery.

With bright, lucid colours and sophisticated lines, his silk paintings express a distinct style of art. With a touch of elegance and romanticism, they bring exceptional emotions to the viewers.

Vu graduated with a Graphic Design degree in Malaysia. He is one of a few young artists passionate about Vietnamese traditions who has found himself a place in the art scene with artworks inspired by Vietnamese culture.

The exhibition will run until September 2 at the 5th floor of Lotte Department Store, 54 Lieu Giai Street, Ha Noi. — VNS