An impressive lacquer painting by artist Chu Nhật Quang

The exhibition will take place from October 5 to 15 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024). The event is also expected to promote the development of lacquer painting, a unique and distinctive cultural heritage of Vietnam.

"Dau thieng" will showcase 52 lacquer works depicting landscapes of the homeland and national heritage sites, combining traditional and modern artistic styles. The works are categorized into four main themes.

The press conference introducing the "Dau thieng" exhibition

The theme "Khoi" (Beginning) opens the exhibition with 14 lacquer paintings focusing on still life. In these works, the young artist not only seeks to recreate familiar everyday objects like fruits, ceramic vases, and household items but also breathes new life into them through the delicate interplay of lacquer colors and textures. 

Each piece reflects the artist's deep memories of his time learning pottery, where he discovered the subtlety and unique beauty in these simple forms. The paintings are more than mere displays—they offer a contemplation of the aesthetic values found in a simple but meaningful life.

A lacquer painting by artist Chu Nhat Quang

The theme "Coi" (Roots) consists of 17 paintings, taking viewers on a profound journey to explore Vietnamese culture and heritage, with depictions of landmarks like the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Thap Rua (Turtle Tower), Mot Cot Pagoda (One Pillar pagoda), and Thay Pagoda. Through the image of Mother Au Co and the art of water puppetry, the artist evokes stories of sacred origins and the silent sacrifices of farmers who have nurtured and preserved the country's long-standing culture.

These paintings highlight the contrast between tradition and modernity, as a reminder of the risk of losing folk art. The images of the banyan tree by the lake, the buffalo carrying a temple on its back, or the farmers working on terraced fields convey the deep connection between people, nature, and longstanding cultural values. Water puppetry, a symbol of Vietnam’s traditional art, is depicted with a spirit of preservation and development in the modern era.

The exhibition draws attention from the media

The theme "Linh" (Sacred Spirit) features nine paintings, continuing to evoke nostalgia for culture and heritage. The artist reimagines scenes of ancient water puppet stages, the famous Thay Pagoda, and everyday life in old villages. From the image of monks in meditation to the lotus flower symbolizing enlightenment, each painting is imbued with philosophical and spiritual elements, reflecting the desire to seek truth and self-perfection.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Thap Rua (Turtle tower) are also vividly portrayed, symbolizing the enduring nature of Vietnamese culture through the ebbs and flows of history. These works are not only reminders of the nation's historical value but also a call to preserve cultural heritage in the modern context.

Finally, the theme "Noi" (Cradle) with 12 paintings evokes memories of the homeland, village temples, and water puppetry, cultural symbols of Vietnam's farming communities. The water puppet paintings not only recreate the life and customs of wet rice civilization but also highlight the distinct cultural identity of the nation. Through motifs such as the phoenix, fish, or lively puppets, the artist conveys the message of harmony between humans and nature, and the hope to preserve Vietnam’s cherished traditional values for future generations.

A representative from the organizing committee shared: The introduction of the exhibition "Dấu thiêng" is not merely an art performance, but a journey back to one’s roots, a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting the lacquer painting craft and traditional cultural values in the modern world.

Artist Chu Nhat Quang was born and raised in an artistic family. From a young age, he was nurtured and inspired by the creativity of two preceding generations—his father and grandfather.

Young artist Chu Nhat Quang has spent time studying abroad

His grandfather, People’s Artist Chu Manh Chan, with a profound passion for art, dedicated himself to restoring and preserving the cultural heritage of Northern Vietnamese villages through lacquer painting. His father, Meritorious Artist Chu Luong, the former Director of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, devoted his life to the traditional art of Vietnamese water puppetry, contributing significantly to preserving and developing this unique national art form.

Chu Nhat Quang continues his family’s tradition by advancing lacquer painting—a meticulous and intricate art form requiring both precision and creative vision. His greatest inspiration always stems from his homeland and nation, though he has also been exposed to Western culture during his studies abroad. These experiences have broadened his perspective, allowing him to incorporate global trends into his own creative works.

Despite living in a modern, urbanized environment, the young artist has maintained a strong bond with Vietnamese traditional culture, while striving to keep the spirit of his homeland in every one of his creations.

By inheriting and developing the family’s artistic legacy, Chu Nhat Quang has enriched the diversity of modern lacquer painting, showcasing the fusion of tradition and contemporary art. His works offer audiences new and profound aesthetic experiences.

Poet Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association

At the press conference, artist Thanh Chuong expressed his belief in the path Chu Nhat Quang has chosen. He believes this young artist will succeed, as talent alone is not enough—passion and hard work are equally crucial. Chu Nhat Quang embodies both these qualities.

He commended the artist for having a strong start; his personality and style have firmly taken shape, embracing modern values while maintaining a deep attachment to the nation's traditional values. These are important elements that every artist, especially younger generations, should focus on.

Renowned artists support the young artist in his passion for lacquer painting

Singer Pham Thu Ha, who will perform at the opening ceremony of "Dau thieng", shared emotionally: “I was introduced to Chu Nhat Quang through a mutual friend—his sister. Visiting his home and admiring his paintings, I was incredibly impressed and moved. As a musician passionate about painting, I found myself captivated by his world of vibrant colors and intricate lines. His works blend contemporary flair with the essence of tradition, much like the music I pursue.”

Pham Thu Ha added that the contributions of Chu Nhat Quang’s family bring pride to the capital and the nation. As part of the younger generation, with the opportunity to be trained in an international environment, Chu Nhat Quang has a truly pure and steadfast spirit, the qualities necessary to conquer the challenging path he has chosen.

She hopes the artist will advance further, spreading the love for the homeland and the nation’s cultural essence to the world. Additionally, she hopes his art can be applied more widely and deeply in fields like architecture. At the opening ceremony, singer Pham Thu Ha will perform two songs: "Ha Noi muoi hai mua hoa" (Hanoi’s twelve flower seasons) and "Dat nuoc loi ru" (The country’s lullaby), accompanied by a traditional orchestra conducted by Dong Quang Vinh.

Ngoc Huyen (nhandan.vn)