The Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts recently opened Do Son’s fifth solo exhibition. At age 82, after a 17-year hiatus, he returns with 92 artworks, ranging from sketches and landscapes to portraits - two-thirds of which are nude paintings.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Do Son shared that even in his 80s, he spends hours each day in the studio, passionately capturing the beauty of women through his artistic lens.

“Through this exhibition, I want to honor the beauty of life, of women, and of the landscapes I’ve encountered,” he said. “These works were created over a long period, with many dedicated to the beauty of the female form. To me, nude art is simply a subject of artistic expression - nothing more. Sometimes I paint to practice, other times for inspiration. Even a few months ago, I was still painting.”

Many are surprised to learn that he continues hiring live models at his age to work from life.

“Hiring models is expensive,” he laughed, “but when you're passionate, you accept it. There were times when the model came daily, for months on end. But that's the only way to find genuine inspiration.”

That dedication has led to many of his works being collected internationally. “My nude paintings have been purchased by collectors from many countries - one was even acquired by the King of Morocco,” he said.

“I don’t want to talk about prices, but I can say that I once sold enough nude art to buy three houses for my children. That proves that if nude art is created seriously and artistically, it will be accepted and respected.”

At “The Paintings of Do Son” exhibition, the public can view his wartime sketches, landscapes, portraits of women, still lifes, and nude works.

What makes Do Son’s nude paintings unique is his aesthetic perspective.

“I don’t paint vulgar sensuality. For me, female beauty lies in softness, warmth, and simplicity - like a slightly rounded belly - not in the perfection seen in photographs. Art must go beyond bare reality - it needs emotion, beauty, and a poetic touch.”

Though known for nude art, Do Son has explored many themes, especially during wartime when he served as a soldier. His wartime sketches and works have also attracted international collectors, particularly in the U.S.

Asked whether he feared public judgment for showcasing so many nude works at his age, he replied confidently:

“My paintings are never seen as vulgar or offensive. On the contrary, they are always welcomed for their sincerity and purity. I paint with respect and admiration for the beauty of women - not to exploit it as cheap visual pleasure.”

He firmly believes that when art is created with a pure heart, it will be met with appreciation.

At the exhibition, artist Le Anh Van - former rector of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts - praised Do Son’s work as innocent, vibrant, and full of life.

“His paintings reveal a soul that deeply loves life. Through his color palette and the forms of his subjects, we sense purity, spontaneity, and a personal turning point,” Van noted. “Some say his works resemble children’s art, but achieving that level of innocence in fine art is a rare and high achievement.”

He added, “At 82, he still paints with youthful energy. That vitality is extremely rare in an artist who has spent a lifetime in the field.”

According to Van, Do Son’s works are not impulsive but carefully crafted. “He is skillful in controlling form and color. His paintings are both expressive and tightly composed - something not every artist can do. Standing before his art, I always feel more optimistic, more inspired.”

Tinh Le