A group of artists in Hanoi is pushing the boundaries of portraiture, using thread and nails to create captivating artworks that convey emotions and tell stories.
Pham Thi Thuc Anh, one of the artists, meticulously studies the sketched portrait before her. With a hammer in hand, she carefully taps each nail into the frame, creating a foundation for her unique art form. From these nails, she artfully stretches thin white threads, bringing the portrait to life with intricate lines and delicate details.
| Pham Thi Thuc Anh during the creative process. Photo courtesy of the artist |
At first glance, the art of string painting may seem deceptively simple. However, as Thuc Anh explains, it is a complex and challenging art form. “You never know if you’ve truly succeeded until the very end,” she says, referring to the intricate process of stretching the threads and the possibility of having to start over. Despite the challenges, she is drawn to the unique beauty of string art, and her passion drove her to master this art form four years ago.
“String art is a visually captivating art form, but it demands precision and an eye for detail,” Thuc Anh explains. “Learning to create intricate and colorful designs that capture attention was the hardest part. It required a lot of trial and error, and we had to practice and study tirelessly to perfect our technique, even if it meant discarding countless flawed attempts.”
To bring their visions to life, the artists skillfully manipulate hammers, nails, and threads. Each stunning artwork is a testament to their dedication, with thousands of nails and hundreds of yards of thread coming together to create intricate shapes and play with light and shadow.
| One of the group’s remarkable artworks. |
The creation of these complex artworks is a collaborative effort, with the artists working together to perfect their technique. Thuc Anh shares the challenges they faced, from sourcing the right materials to countless iterations of testing different nails, threads, and wood bases. The process of bringing a painting to life can take anywhere from over ten days to several months of dedicated work.
Marketing their unique art form is another hurdle the artists face. As string art is a relatively new technique, raising awareness and educating people about it can be difficult. Thuc Anh and her colleagues also find it challenging to communicate the intricacies of their work while they themselves are still exploring and refining their craft.
“On top of that,” Thuc Anh adds, “we also face small accidents daily, like accidentally hitting your hand with a hammer or dealing with a stubborn nail. It’s all part of the process, but it reminds us of the dedication and patience required for this art form.”
Despite these challenges, the group of artists remains focused and driven. They continue to research and develop their own unique methods, striving to create string art that captivates viewers with its visual effects and storytelling.
According to Thuc Anh, pursuing string art requires a combination of technical skills and artistic sensibility. “Nailing technique and an understanding of shapes and compositions are essential,” she says. “But it’s also about patience, refinement, and originality. These elements come together to create truly unique and compelling artworks.”
So far, the group has gained attention on social media and within the art community for their innovative and captivating pieces. One of their most notable works is a striking nail art portrait of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, which has garnered much acclaim.
“We set aside all other projects to complete the portrait of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in a short time,” Thuc Anh says. “It was our way of paying respect to a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the country.”
Another piece that holds significant value for Thuc Anh is a large-scale nail painting measuring 80 x 120 cm. It depicts an ethnic girl, and the group of artists faced the challenge of managing the intricate technique while maintaining the creative element on such a grand scale.
| The artists bring photos to life, creating stunning string artworks. |
“We were delighted with how the motifs on the shirt, the character’s eyes, and smile came together,” Thuc Anh says. “It was a moving moment for all of us when the painting was finished.”
Tran Ngoc Khoi, Thuc Anh’s colleague, recalls a memorable project: a portrait of a client’s grandmother from the northern province of Nam Dinh. “The client wanted a portrait of her grandmother, who had passed away,” Ngoc Khoi shares. “It was one of our first commissions, and we put our hearts into it, studying every strand of hair, every wrinkle, and every detail in the photo. It holds the record for being our most time-consuming and thread-intensive artwork, with up to 1km of thread used.”
When it comes to the longevity of their nail-and-thread artworks, Ngoc Khoi assures that with proper care, the pieces can endure. “Keep the painting away from direct sunlight and in a controlled environment with moderate humidity,” he advises. “Ideally, display it in a dry, open area, and gently dust the surface with a soft brush or light vacuum cleaner to keep it clean.”
Looking to the future, Ngoc Khoi shares their plans to organize an exhibition. “We want to introduce our work to a wider audience and connect with fellow art enthusiasts,” he says. “It’s important to us to share the beauty of nail and thread artwork and create a space where people can appreciate and engage with this unique art form.”
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