The Ho Chi Minh Museum, in collaboration with the Central Committee for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, recently opened the “Independent Spring” exhibition, featuring large-scale lacquer works by artist Chu Nhat Quang. This special event celebrates the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (1945-2025) and Vietnam's National Day on September 2.

At the opening ceremony, Dr. Vu Manh Ha, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, stated: “This is the first time a collection of 17 large lacquer paintings vividly depicting historic milestones and portraits of President Ho Chi Minh is being publicly introduced.”

The “Independent Spring” series creatively fuses traditional lacquer materials with modern artistic sensibilities, offering a fresh aesthetic dimension while reflecting Vietnam’s longing for independence, freedom, and peace. The largest piece, measuring 7.2m in width and 2.4m in height, is painted on both sides. One side portrays President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence, while the other captures the jubilant spirit of national unity on September 2, 1945.

Notably, the exhibition also features the largest lacquer portrait of President Ho Chi Minh ever created, measuring 2.4m x 3.6m.

Artist Chu Nhat Quang revealed that it took him seven years of dedication to complete the 17 large-scale lacquer pieces showcased in this exhibition.

“I have always aimed for historical accuracy in every detail while ensuring artistic harmony. This work demands perseverance, patience, and a strong sense of collective spirit,” Chu Nhat Quang shared.

Journalist Ho Quang Loi, former Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, expressed his pride when speaking with VietNamNet: “I’m proud to witness such remarkable artworks in the ‘Independent Spring’ exhibition. I’m glad Quang found inspiration from the very essence of our nation’s history and culture.”

In these 17 lacquer paintings, Chu Nhat Quang has captured the spirit of heroism, the desire for independence, patriotism, and national pride. These pieces not only honor Vietnam’s historical legacy but also highlight the beauty of its cultural identity. “I believe the public will warmly embrace these works as they help nurture a love for the homeland,” said Ho Quang Loi.

He added that, although Chu Nhat Quang received his training in Western art institutions, he has returned to his roots with a uniquely creative sensibility.

“What’s admirable is that, at just 30 years old, despite not having lived through Vietnam’s great historical upheavals, Chu Nhat Quang has found a way to approach historical and cultural themes with youthful artistry and a strong sense of responsibility.

Through his earlier ‘Sacred Marks’ exhibition and now ‘Independent Spring,’ we see how he is overcoming generational challenges to establish his artistic voice. I hope Chu Nhat Quang and today’s generation of young artists will continue to explore and celebrate the infinite beauty of Vietnamese culture through lacquer painting, opening new creative horizons,” he shared.

The “Independent Spring” exhibition will remain open to the public until September 5, 2025.

Born in 1995, Chu Nhat Quang comes from a family of artists. He studied abroad in the United States and Australia and is recognized as a leading figure among Vietnam’s new generation of lacquer painters.

In 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day, he successfully held the “Sacred Marks” exhibition at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, featuring 52 large-format lacquer paintings centered on heritage and the homeland.

Tinh Le