Although he studied and researched art abroad for many years, Chu Nhat Quang still chose to continue the family tradition by developing lacquer art with modern methods.
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954-2024), an exhibition of lacquer paintings Sacred Marks by artist Chu Nhat Quang will take place at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site
The exhibition includes 52 traditional lacquer works about the homeland's landscapes, national heritage sites with an artistic style combining tradition and modernity, divided into four parts with four different themes.
Painter Chu Nhat Quang will showcase 52 traditional lacquer works about Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the artist
Firstly, the theme Beginning with 14 lacquer paintings focuses on the still life genre. These works reflect the artist's deep memories of the time he learned to make pottery. Each painting is a contemplation of the aesthetic values of a simple but meaningful life.
The theme Origin includes 17 paintings, taking viewers to explore the culture and heritage of the Vietnamese people such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Turtle Tower, One Pillar Pagoda, Thay Pagoda... In addition, with the image of Mother Au Co and the art of water puppetry, the artist evokes stories about the sacred origin and the silent sacrifice of farmers - those who have nurtured and preserved the long-standing culture.
The theme Soul with 9 paintings, continues to evoke nostalgia for culture and heritage. The works are not only a reminder of the historical value of the nation but also a call to protect cultural heritage in the modern context.
The theme Cradle includes 12 paintings about the homeland, village communal houses and puppetry art. Through cultural heritage images, the artist conveys the message of harmony between humans and nature and the hope of maintaining the precious traditional values of the nation through many generations.
Talking about the exhibition, Nguyen Thanh Tung, CEO of VIETCOM Company, organizer of the event, said that Chu Nhat Quang is a young painter who has shown his creative commitment to the path of traditional lacquer art.
A lacquer painting by Chu Nhat Quang.
Each of his strokes do not only create sophisticated artworks but also breathes into a cultural flow of the nation. He was also bold in deciding to bring his lacquer works out of the traditional exhibition space to bring them to the public outdoors. That shows the spirit of a young artist, ready to experiment and find new ways to express traditional materials.
“With the inheritance and development of art from his family, Chu Nhat Quang has contributed to the diversity and richness of modern lacquer art, demonstrating the harmony between tradition and contemporary. His works bring the audience new and profound aesthetic experiences,” said poet and painter Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers Association.
According to painter Chu Nhat Quang, he has spent a lot of time and effort researching and exploring how to make large-scale lacquer paintings, while also experimenting with lighting options for outdoor paintings to bring the best experience to the public.
The exhibition will open at 5 p.m. on October 5. In the opening program, soprano Pham Thu Ha will perform songs about Hanoi.
Ngo Minh