VietNamNet Bridge – Art critic and painter Uyen Huy has published a book that documents trends in 20th century fine arts in the southern region with more than 200 black-and-white and colour images.

Self taught: Gold Fish, a mixed media painting by People’s Artist, painter and art critic Uyen Huy. (VNS photo)

The 700-page book, My Thuat Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh - Mot Thoang Hom Nay Mot Chut Xua (HCM City’s Fine Arts during the 20th Century), features documents and photos that feature different styles of contemporary painting and sculpture by artists living in the south, particularly in HCM City.     

The role of urban fine arts in Sai Gon (now HCM City) between 1975 and 2015 is described as well as new trends created by young artists.

“Huy’s new book is a valuable production for people who love to research and read about Vietnamese fine arts in the doi moi (renovation) and international integration period,” said Dr.Truong Phi Duc, principal of the HCM City University of Fine Arts.

Huy’s previous book, My Thuat Do Thi Sai Gon-Gia Dinh Tu Nam 1900 1975 (Urban Fine Arts of Sai Gon-Gia Dinh from 1900 to 1975), was published in 2014 and received the Critic Award presented by the Viet Nam Fine Arts’ Association.

The 650-page book includes information and visuals of the ancient cultures of Champa, Oc Eo and Khmer which influenced the southern city.

The book includes information about specific events, artworks, characters and historical marks.

The role of three French schools in Binh Duong in 1901, Dong Nai in 1903, and Gia Dinh in 1913, which offered training for students in handicraft and decorative arts, is also featured in the book.

These schools laid the foundation for the famous Indochina Fine Arts College in Ha Noi in 1925.

Career

Huy, whose real name is Huynh Van Muoi, was born in 1950 in Sai Gon. His love for painting began at an early age after he began studying art by himself before attending the Gia Dinh Fine Arts School in 1964.

In 1973, he won the Esso Art Prize for his work, Nhac Chieu (Afternoon Music), a painting in praise of life and music. He then worked as a lecturer in painting at the Gia Dinh School in 1974.

He has worked for several prestigious art schools, including the HCM City University of Fine Arts, HCM City University of Architecture and Dong Nai College of Decorative Fine Arts.  

He has organised more than 70 solo and group exhibitions around the country and in many other countries.

Huy has also won several top prizes for painting and criticism presented by local and foreign fine arts associations and organisations.

“I have for several decades worked in painting and teaching. For me, teaching is a duty that a veteran artist like me should be involved in. I wanted to deliver my love for art and experience to younger generations,” said Huy, who opened his latest solo painting exhibition in HCM City last year to celebrate his career of 50 years.

The showcase, Vi Cam Va Bien (Violin and Sea), featured 50 paintings in acrylic and mixed media, and showed the 66-year-old artist’s love and passion for the country and life.

Huy is now chairman of the HCM City Association of Fine Arts.

Published by the My Thuat (Fine Arts) Publishing House, Huy’s book is available at bookstores in HCM City and provinces.        

VNS