On December 14, artist Nguyen Dai Giang and his student, Tuan Dinh (also known as Dinh Lee), inaugurated the ninth edition of their exhibition, "Upsidedownism Art V.2024", at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.

The exhibition showcases the unique "Upsidedownism" art style, a movement pioneered by Nguyen Dai Giang in 1990 after he moved to the United States.

Breaking free from traditional realism, Nguyen Dai Giang’s inverted images invite viewers into a visually unconventional world. Each piece challenges the audience to shift their perspective, revealing profound messages hidden within the artwork.

Upsidedownism, as described by American art critics, was once predicted to “disrupt Western art traditions.”

“I never intended to overthrow Western art; my goal is to bring the soul of Vietnamese painting into the global art scene. My love for Upsidedownism stems from life itself - it embraces the rational and the irrational in our everyday existence. My inspiration comes from the heritage passed down by our ancestors,” Nguyen Dai Giang shared.

A philosophical and cultural exploration

For Nguyen Dai Giang, inverted art is not merely a reflection of reality but an exploration of artistic thought deeply rooted in philosophy. His works carry strong elements of Vietnamese culture, featuring themes such as Ha Long Bay, Hoc Mon – Saigon, Smoking a Bamboo Pipe, and The Young Woman. Many of his pieces also reimagine renowned Vietnamese literary and artistic figures, including Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Nguyen Duy, Tran Tien, and Chu Lai, through fresh and symbolic perspectives.

This year’s exhibition stands apart from previous editions as Nguyen Dai Giang collaborates with his student, Tuan Dinh, to create a space that blends two generations of artists through nearly 40 artworks.

Dinh Lee’s innovative approach breathes new life into Upsidedownism by skillfully combining traditional elements with contemporary techniques. His featured works, such as The Herd Boy, The Flower Street, Visiting the Pagoda, Wrestling, Springtime, Mother’s Trellis, The Dance of Joy, and I Am Not Superman, exemplify a blend of depth and aesthetic sophistication.

“Every artist dreams of a distinctive path that reflects their unique style and thought process. I was fortunate to find my artistic voice under the guidance of Nguyen Dai Giang. While our perspectives differ - his rooted in cultural depth, mine infused with youthful energy and modern sensibilities - we share a profound passion for this art form,” said Tuan Dinh.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Dinh likened artistic movements to depleting gold mines, which push artists to explore new horizons of inspiration. He recalled being captivated by Nguyen Dai Giang’s inverted paintings during a chance encounter with his collection and subsequently reaching out to him. Despite the geographical divide between Vietnam and the U.S., both mentor and student remain deeply committed to their artistic journey.

“I paint first and foremost for myself, to fulfill a deep personal passion,” Dinh shared. “Some works I began as far back as 2010, and others I’ve revisited and reworked over the years until they felt right.”

Nguyen Dai Giang noted that Upsidedownism is a niche art form, not suited for long-term commercial endeavors. Artists must dedicate themselves to this style out of pure love and passion. However, there is growing recognition: recently, a collector purchased 25 of his Upsidedownism pieces for display.

The "Upsidedownism Art V.2024" exhibition runs from December 14 to December 22, 2024, at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.