Artist Betty Clavel.— Photo baomoi.net.vn

HCM CITY (VNS) — "Duras, beyond the Dam," an exhibition of 27 oil-on-canvas paintings by French-Chinese artist Betty Clavel, is being held at the HCM City Fine Arts University from April 21.

In the beginning, she says painted everything she saw – bicycles, hats, markets, everything exotic – but later changed the themes. Her works are now less figurative and more about the character of Viet Nam.

"I was a journalist when I came to Viet Nam in 1993, and I fell in love with the country.

"I liked painting; so I became painter. People know me through my paintings on Viet Nam."

Some of the most prominent works at the exhibition are A Desert of Salt and Water, It Lasts Eight Days, The Same Happy Arrogance, and Of All the Strength of Its Doubt."

"I'm very happy to present my works in Viet Nam, particularly within the framework of the School of Fine Arts," Clavel said.

"In future I may come back to Viet Nam because I am working about a meeting on a boat near Sa Dec [in Dong Thap Province]."

The exhibition is open every day until May 2. Entrance is free. — VNS