Tuan Chieu
The "Tram" exhibition opened on July 5, at the Quang San Art Museum in Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, and will run until July 21.
The exhibition features 40 diverse artworks by contemporary Vietnamese artists, including Nguyen Xuan Hoang, Le Thi Minh Tam, Nguyen Hien, Nguyen Phan Bach, Nguyen Huu Thong, and Le Ba Cau.
Six artists, all based in Hanoi, have brought their works to Ho Chi Minh City as a way to engage with southern art enthusiasts and to learn and exchange ideas with fellow artists. According to the organizers, "Tram" symbolizes the connection of each artist's work like carriages of a train. Each viewer will experience a "journey" (artwork), then reflect on the visual imagery and artistic emotions before it fades away.
Each artist has their unique brushwork and personal style. They possess individuality, artistic essence, and a touch of "madness" to freely express their artistic language.
Artist Nguyen Xuan Hoang showcases a series titled "Buddhas," where he depicts Buddhas from an unusual top-down perspective, creating unique shapes. His works use bright, eye-catching colors and soft lines.
"I always keep a belief and thought about art: not to repeat anyone, not even myself. Each artwork is a distinct life, and each artist should strive to be a unique talent, a unique fate, and a unique world," Hoang shared.
Artist Le Ba Cau draws inspiration from churches, being awestruck by their grandeur and beauty. His works reflect the intricate and sometimes tumultuous architecture, akin to the mind and spirit of individuals.
Le Thi Minh Tam, the only female artist in the exhibition, contributes five large-scale paintings inspired by legends like Lac Long Quan and mythical fairies. Her characters have distinctive, even bizarre, appearances that challenge traditional folk images.
Minh Tam's work includes two fairy paintings that diverge from conventional depictions. She believes each person will have their unique expression, fulfilling personal passion, while viewers have the choice to appreciate works that resonate with them.
Nguyen Phan Bach portrays the beauty of nature with unique structures and perspectives. Meanwhile, Nguyen Hien captures the marks of time, the rise and fall, and the preservation of valuable traditions. Nguyen Huu Thong focuses on conveying emotions and small messages through his paintings.
Nguyen Thieu Kien, the museum director, aims to create a platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with the public, enhancing awareness and understanding of fine arts.
The “Tram” exhibition displays works that are mostly abstract, a genre often seen as challenging for the general public due to its reliance on the viewer's emotions and perspective.
Photos provided by the artists.
"Museums are places for everyone to exchange, learn, share, and collectively appreciate the artworks," Kien said. He plans to organize monthly activities to attract visitors and honor the preservation of cultural and artistic heritage.