After six years of preparation, Sophie Trinh has unveiled a unique collection of nude self-portraits in Hanoi, pushing the boundaries of Vietnamese art. In this bold exhibition, she explores the depth of her emotions through her own body.
Sophie Trinh, also known by her Vietnamese name Thu Phuong, recently unveiled her first exhibition of nude self-portraits in Hanoi after six years of meticulous preparation.
Born in 1988, Sophie views persistence and courage as the most important qualities in creating art. Her exhibition marks a bold step in the often controversial genre of nude art in Vietnam, where cultural differences and public perception pose significant challenges.
Sophie explained, "Whether people support me or not is irrelevant. What matters is that I find peace in my paintings, as they allow me to converse with myself and express what my body holds within."
In an interview with VietNamNet, the artist shared the emotional and personal story behind her decision to use her own body as the subject for her art.
Sophie Trinh beside her self-portrait nude artwork. Photo provided by the character
Why nude self-portraits?
From a young age, Sophie developed a deep love for art, with dreams of becoming both an artist and a teacher. She spent several years teaching fine arts while continuing to work on her paintings. Her passion for art was fueled by personal experiences, including her relationship with her father and the heartbreak of romantic disappointment.
"I chose to paint nudes because I appreciate the beauty of the human body," Sophie revealed. However, her decision was not merely aesthetic. It was also a response to her relationship struggles. "I loved my partner deeply, but he didn’t understand me. It was as if we couldn’t truly connect despite being in love."
Sophie explained that while her partner recognized nude art as legitimate, he failed to grasp the depth of her personal and emotional needs. "Love, for me, means mutual understanding and shared ideals. Without that, the heart feels broken."
The nude paintings at Sophie Trinh's exhibition in Hanoi. Photo: BTC
A unique approach to nude art
Unlike many artists who focus on painting other models, Sophie turned the lens on herself. "If I were to paint someone else, I would need to truly understand them - to feel their inner beauty and be moved by it. Unfortunately, I haven’t met a woman yet who has sparked that connection."
Sophie’s decision to use herself as a model was rooted in her confidence. "I’ve worked as a model and actress before, so I’m comfortable being my own subject. Through these paintings, I aim to express myself using my body’s language."
The artist uses professional cameras and smartphones to capture her poses before recreating them on canvas. "The process of photography is just about capturing moments. When I paint, it goes deeper - it’s about putting my soul into it," Sophie explained.
Sophie Trinh at the opening event of her debut nude exhibition in late August in Hanoi. Photo: BTC
Challenges and triumphs
Despite initial concerns about whether her exhibition would be approved for public display, Sophie was determined to present her work in a legitimate space. "I was worried that my nude art might face censorship, but I believe in the integrity of my work."
The President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, Luong Xuan Doan, praised Sophie’s art for its honesty and courage. "It’s rare to find a woman willing to reveal her life’s hidden corners through such intimate art."
All of Sophie’s paintings were ultimately approved for display, a significant milestone in a country where nude art exhibitions are still relatively rare.
Sophie Trinh poses as the model for her own nude paintings. Photo: BTC
The process behind the art
Sophie revealed that creating her paintings often involves trial and error. "If a piece doesn’t satisfy me, I erase it rather than trying to finish it just for the sake of selling it." She admitted to being highly selective, ensuring that only her best work makes it to the public.
When asked whether she plans to keep these personal pieces or sell them, Sophie said, "I’ve sold paintings before, but not from this nude series. However, if someone truly appreciates the work, I would sell it. Despite these pieces being self-portraits, everyone can find a part of themselves in them."
Sophie Trinh’s exhibition has opened up important discussions on body image, self-expression, and the boundaries of art. Through her work, she continues to challenge perceptions and push the limits of what is considered acceptable in Vietnamese art, all while staying true to her own creative vision.
Vietnamnet.vn
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