VietNamNet Bridge – Tran Dat, who sings while he paints portraits, has opened his first exhibition at HCMC Fine Arts Museum.

Artist Tran Dat poses for a photo next to his paintings at his first solo exhibition at HCMC Fine Arts Museum in District 1.

The show features 116 paintings, of which 80 are portraits of musicians, poets, singers or artists and the rest are artworks made in abstract style, calligraphy works and sketches.

Visitors have a chance to admire portraits of musicians Trinh Cong Son, Van Cao and Pham Tuyen, Professor Tran Van Khe, poet Bui Giang, artist Bui Xuan Phai, director Le Cung Bac, writer To Hoai and artist Hai Phuong.

The self-taught artist, born in 1953, used to make portraits for teachers and classmates. In 1997, Dat suffered a stroke and became paralyzed on one side of his body.

After a long spell of treatment, Dat was able to walk and he decided to travel around the country and make portraits and paintings through places he passed by to satisfy his love for the arts.

And from 2000 to date, he has made hundreds of portraits of both famous people and friends.

“Through the ups and downs of life, I still see life as a miracle to me and I never give up my passion for arts in any circumstance. I am really happy to have the solo exhibition today, it is beyond my expectations,” said Dat.

The show runs until Thursday at the museum, 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street in District 1.

Vietkings is considering listing Dat as record-maker who can sing while creating portraits.

Source: SGT