National rebuilding: Huyen Thoai Tau Khong So (Legend of "No Number" Vessels), one of 80 paintings by the former vice principal of the HCM City Fine Arts College Nguyen Thanh Minh.

HCM CITY (VNS)  — My Country is the theme of a solo exhibition of the former vice president of the HCM City Fine Arts College at the headquarters of the city's Fine Arts Association.

Nguyen Thanh Minh's 80 lacquer, oil painting and sketches feature portraits, landscapes, President Ho Chi Minh, memories of war and the rebuilding of the country.

Born in the southern province of Binh Duong, he later moved to the North where he was raised, studied and later enlisted in the revolutionary army. Now at age 82, he is still creating works of art and lecturing on fine arts.

"The images of brave soldiers and people, especially heroic mothers, have never faded in my mind," he said.

These images are featured in his works, including Bao Ve Cau Ham Rong (Protecting Ham Rong Bridge), and Nhung The He Nguoi Me (Generations of Heroic Mothers).

He said he had a deep impression of the "No Number" vessels that transported weapons, food and soldiers from the north to south on the Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail.

These memories are shown in Huyen Thoai Tau Khong So (Legend of "No Number" Vessels).

The exhibit also includes a series of lacquer paintings, mostly reflecting landscapes, like Tu Canh Kien Giang Province, depicting four famous historical sites in the province: Hon Phu Tu (Father-and-Son Rocks), Hang (Cave) Pagoda, Ha Tien Stone Cave, and Mo So Cave.

Uyen Huy, chairman of the association, said: "Despite his age, Minh is still working hard to create new works. His paintings contain plain language and are close to real life."

Minh said he had a plan to open another exhibition featuring works about the battle of Dien Bien Phu in the air, and group portraits.

My Country at 218 Pasteur Street in District 3 will close on December 13. — VNS