Sitting pretty: Thieu Nu Va Thanh Co, one of several paintings by veteran artist Ton Nu Tuong Hoa, is on show at an exhibition in HCM City.

HCM CITY — The wife dabbles in colourful daily life, while her husband highlights his philosophy of life in vivid hues. Both in real life and on canvas, they complement each other.

The two painters, members of Viet Nam Fine Arts Association, are showing 33 works on silk and canvas in the exhibit Ky Uc Hue (Memories of Hue) at HCM City's Tu Do Gallery.

Ton Nu Tuong Hoa and her husband, Nguyen Khoa Nhy, work as art teachers for Hong Bang University and HCM City University of Technology.

The couple have previously held joint exhibitions of their work at shows in Nha Trang, Da Lat and Ninh Thuan Province.

Although their paintings deal with different subjects, the couple say they are united in wanting to express their love and memories of Hue, and the traditional culture, lifestyle and people through their art.

"I hope viewers will be able to see and feel my life and love, accompanied by memories of the inner beauty of Hue people," said Hoa, who spent more than 40 years in the battlefield.

Born in 1947 in Hue but living in HCM City, Hoa prefers to portray landscapes, girls, flowers and old streets, simple things that capture people's dreams and passions.

She has had several solo and group exhibitions in other countries, including France.

"But only in Viet Nam have I found myself meeting with viewers," Hoa said, adding that this time she eagerly awaited the response of local art lovers.

Interesting works include Thieu Nu Va Thanh Co (Young Girl and Old Citadel), Sen Ho Tinh Tam (Lotus on Tinh Tam Lake) and Dai Noi (Imperial Citadel).

Unlike Hoa, Nhy is more interested in depicting his thoughts on life and love.

"My works convey my soul, imagination and memories of my life," the 67-year-old artist said. "I see life and art with fresh eyes."

The exhibition will close on July 27 at Tu Do Gallery at 53 Ho Tung Mau St in District 1. — VNS