Feeling abstract: Artist Le Trieu Dien and his works. — VNS Photo Sunny Rose

HCM CITY — "I paint following an invisible urge from inside my soul. I let go all thoughts and feelings, allow them to flow."

When Le Trieu Dien is in such flow, layer after layer of paint capture traces of time, of the past, of one's dreams and hopes. Familiar and unfamiliar symbols take place, each telling a story depending on how we open ourselves to his paintings.

The triangle roof, typical of Vietnamese houses, tells us we were born there, we cried, we laughed, we worked, we lived and in the end, we turned into dust.

The past is gone, but the feelings it evokes in us are in the present.

These feelings find abstract expression in Recalling Memory, an exhibition of Dien's latest works introduced on the occasion of opening a new branch of the Phuong Mai Gallery – Art&Cafe at 7 Phan Chu Trinh, District 1.

The 32 paintings on display are inspired by the flow of the past, which always leaves traces that evoke feelings, emotions and ruminations.

Le Trieu Dien was born in 1943 in Ben Tre Province. He studied at the Phu Tho Polytechnic College in Sai Gon. He has held exhibitions in many places in Viet Nam and abroad, including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Tokyo.

More information about the paintings and the artist can be accessed at www.phuongmaigallery.com

The exhibition is open until August 25. — VNS