Lifestyle

The Art of Lacquer Painting: A Hanoi Exhibition

The fusion of lacquer and intricate carving techniques bestows upon traditional folk paintings an allure that is utterly captivating. This unique blend of craftsmanship results in a visual feast that is both aesthetically pleasing and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the past.

Administrator

11 August, 2024

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“The Beat of Heritage”: A Captivating Folk Art Exhibition in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Lacquered paintings on display—a unique blend of art and craftsmanship. Photo: Minh Thu/The Hanoi Times

The Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center in Hanoi is currently hosting a fascinating folk painting exhibition titled “The Beat of Heritage.” Running until September 3, the exhibition showcases approximately 60 lacquer carvings that pay homage to the rich traditions of the Hang Trong, Dong Ho, and Kim Hoang clans.

These exquisite artworks are a modern refinement of traditional paintings, seamlessly merging lacquer painting techniques with intricate carving. Visitors to the exhibition will be treated to a visual feast as they admire the creativity and skill of Vietnamese artists who have dedicated their talents to preserving and evolving traditional cultural arts.

According to Pham Ngoc Long, co-organizer of the exhibition and Chairman of Latoa Indochine, Vietnamese folk paintings are renowned for their beauty, but the use of traditional handmade paper presents durability challenges. To address this, artists have innovatively combined lacquering and carving techniques, creating a new dimension of longevity for their artworks.

The resulting lacquer-carved paintings boast sharp and deep images with meticulously polished layers, elevating the aesthetic appeal, modernity, and luxury of folk paintings. This fusion of techniques not only enhances the visual impact but also increases their cultural and artistic value.

The artists of Latoa Indochine are on a mission to revive, promote, and safeguard folk painting and Indochine-style architecture. By infusing traditional arts with a modern twist, they are giving new life and a fresh perspective to age-old artistic traditions.

Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, underscored the significance of Vietnamese folk painting as a national treasure with deep historical roots. He commended Latoa Indochine’s initiative to restore folk paintings using lacquer-carved materials, believing it will rejuvenate and celebrate these once-famous art forms in the face of modern art’s ascendancy.

The creation of lacquer-carved paintings is a meticulous and intricate process. Artists begin by designing graphics on a computer, which are then printed on paper. The designs are transferred to a wooden panel using titanium white powder, and the carving process brings the details to life. Multiple layers of paint are applied, and the painting is polished with water to achieve a lustrous finish. Finally, gold and silver gilding adds a touch of opulence.

Throughout the exhibition, interactive activities will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the creative process behind these unique lacquered paintings. “The Beat of Heritage” is a timely celebration, forming part of a series of events commemorating the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day, and the 70th anniversary of Hanoi Liberation Day.

The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am-5 pm, offering a window into the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam and the enduring appeal of folk art.