Despite his formal training in music, Nguyen Thang’s insatiable curiosity and creative spirit led him to explore the realm of visual arts, experimenting with various mediums such as canvas painting, pencil and paint portraits, and even the edgy world of graffiti.
His latest creative endeavor involves a unique and unconventional method: tapping on glass to produce stunning images.
It all began in April 2024 when Thang, inspired by a video of a Swiss artist creating glass art in a shopping mall, decided to embark on his own glass-tapping journey.
Through a process of trial and error, he experimented with different types of glass and hammers, fine-tuning his technique to create soulful and expressive portraits.
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| Nguyen Thang, armed with a pointed hammer, meticulously taps on the surface of laminated glass, transforming it into a canvas of light and shadow. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News |
Thang learned to master the force and angle of each strike, understanding that the key to success lay in controlling the hammer’s impact. “It’s all about the force,” he explained, “each strike, depending on the hammer’s sharpness, creates unique crack patterns that I guide into a complete image.”
His tools of choice include laminated glass, often found in high-rise buildings for its safety features, and specially sharpened hammers. Laminated glass, with its multiple layers bonded together, adds a layer of complexity and depth to his artwork.
Thang pays close attention to the thickness of the glass, opting for glass ranging from 6 to 8 millimeters as it significantly influences the resulting crack patterns and, ultimately, the overall design.
Crafting a single piece can be a labor of love, taking anywhere from two days to a week, with the more complex designs demanding more time and precision.
Thang’s creative process starts with a simple sketch on the glass, using a marker to outline the basic structure. He then carefully taps out the image, bringing it to life with each precise strike. Finally, he cleans the shattered glass, revealing a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
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| Thang’s artistic process begins with a sketch, which he then transforms into a glass tapestry using his unique tapping technique. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News |
What sets glass painting apart, according to Thang, is its reliance solely on the interplay of light and shadow, creating a unique visual experience. “It’s all about capturing the essence,” he said, “focusing on the subtle nuances of facial muscles, the depth of eyes, and the curve of lips.”
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| German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven, immortalized in glass by Nguyen Thang, showcases the artist’s unique ability to capture soul and emotion. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News |
Thang’s days are a harmonious blend of teaching at the conservatory and creating his glass art, with nights reserved for composing music, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his passions.
“As a self-taught artist, I strive to continuously develop and refine my techniques,” Thang shared. “I’m drawn to glass art because it allows me to master different painting methods, and I’m determined to perfect this unique craft.”
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| A breathtaking piece of glass art by Nguyen Thang, showcasing the intricate beauty of this unique medium. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News |
Thang’s glass art demands a meticulous eye for detail and a deep emotional connection to the subject, resulting in soulful and captivating pieces that resonate with viewers.
Crafted from durable laminated glass, Thang’s artworks require no additional preservation and are built to stand the test of time, a testament to the permanence of his creative vision.
His pieces are highly sought-after, with prices ranging from several million to tens of millions of dong, reflecting the time and customization invested in each unique creation.
