HÀ NỘI Silk paintings by members of Sắc Lụa Việt (Vietnamese Silk) are being introduced to the public in an exhibition that is being held at Fine Arts Exhibition Hall, located on 16 Ngô Quyền Street, Hà Nội.

Entitled Hương Lụa Tháng 8 (The Fragrance of August Silk), the exhibition showcase 40 silk artworks by four painters Nguyễn Thị Thiền from Quảng Ninh, Đỗ Thu Hương from Hưng Yên, and Tạ Hùng Việt and Hoàng Quốc Tuấn from Hà Nội.

This is the second exhibition organised by the Sắc Lụa Việt, following the success of the first one – Hương Lụa Tháng 6 (The Fragrance of June Silk) that was held June last year to preserve and extend the passion for silk painting.

"We encountered many difficulties in pursuing this style of painting due to its niche audience and limited sales. As a result, fewer artists are creating works in this genre. The purpose of the Sắc Lụa Việt is to preserve and develop this type of painting,” said painter Đỗ Thu Hương.

Adopting four distinct themes, diverse brushwork and styles, each silk painting conveys delicate and romantic emotions. Altogether they create a distinctiveness and value of the unique art form.

Nguyễn Thị Thiền’s paintings are inspired by the landscape and the images of ethnic communities in her hometown Quảng Ninh. The artist enjoys exploring the cultural festivals of ethnic minorities, wedding ceremonies, and the daily life scenes of fishing villages in the province.

"I have participated in charity work and taught young children in the fishing villages. Witnessing their daily lives, I incorporate those experiences into my paintings. Moreover, Vung Viêng and Cửa Vạn fishing villages have breathtaking scenery, despite the hardships, there is a sense of peace, and the people are incredibly friendly. Their lives have changed now, but I portray them based on the memories I have," she said.

Meanwhile, painter Tạ Hùng Việt introduces a series of silk paintings that explore the theme of family emotions, depicting the natural bonds among family members.

In one of his paintings portrays a father, who is a military officer, combing his daughter's hair before taking her to an event where she will receive an award for academic excellence. In another, a mother meticulously grooms her child on a special occasion, and in another a soldier visits his mother and loved ones during his leave.

Painter Đỗ Thu Hương finds inspiration from her real-life journeys. Impressed by beauty in nature and humanity, she tells the stories of each character in her artworks, which also reflects her inner world. Each piece becomes a window into her thoughts and emotions, capturing the essence of her personal experiences and perspectives.

Hương said she primarily chose women as the main theme of her artwork because the feminine image represents a universal symbol that transcends different age groups, resonating with her personal experiences throughout life.

She also holds a special affinity for depicting the traditional costumes of ethnic minorities as they embody the essence of cultural identity. She deeply admires the simple and humble way of life of ethnic communities, cherishing their unadorned and uncomplicated lifestyles, and the harmonious connection they have with nature.

Meanwhile, painter Hoàng Quốc Tuấn seeks to discover the beauty of purity and innocence through his artwork, focusing on depictions of children and women. In some instances, he pours his heart into portraying the thoughts and contemplations of young girls stepping into adolescence.

"I hope that people will find a piece of themselves in these artworks. It could be a glimpse of carefree innocence from the ages of five to seven, or a reflection on the thoughts of everyday life,” he said.

The exhibition will run until August 14. Entrance is free. VNS