HCM CITY (VNS) — Painter and teacher of fine art, Uyen Huy, just published a research book featuring urban fine art found in Sai Gon –formerly Gia Dinh province – from 1900 to 1975.

The 650-page book, uses a wealth of valuable information and visuals to explore the influence of ancient cultures on the southern city.

The most remarkable turning point in the development of the southern region's fine art, it is argued, was the opening of two French schools that trained students in handicraft and decorative arts in Binh Duong (1901) and Dong Nai (1903). The French continued in this vein by opening the Gia Dinh Drawing School in 1913.

These schools effectively laid the foundation for the Indochina Fine Arts College in Ha Noi, which went on to train fine artists coming from all over Indochina. — VNS