Just a decade after its establishment, Rector Victor Tardieu of the Indochina Fine Arts School (L’Ecole des Beaux-Arts de L’Indochine), now known as the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, proclaimed, “Our school in Hanoi will soon be on par with those in Spain or the Netherlands.”
Indeed, as the first university-level institution offering systematic and formal training in fine arts, it nurtured some of the greatest names in Vietnamese art. Even today, the Indochina School of Fine Arts era remains a shining chapter in the history of Vietnamese artistic excellence, introducing the world to the unique charm of Vietnamese art.
Celebrating the Radiance of Vietnamese Art
The French painter Victor Tardieu (1870-1937) embarked on a journey to Indochina in 1921. Three years later, in April 1924, he submitted a proposal to establish a fine arts school to the Governor-General of Indochina, Martial Merlin.
On October 27, 1924, the Governor-General signed a decree bringing Tardieu’s vision to life—the Indochina School of Fine Arts in Hanoi. Victor Tardieu became its first rector, and painter Nam Son (Nguyen Van Tho) served as his talented and devoted collaborator.
| A vibrant workshop scene from the Indochina Fine Arts School. File Photo |
Dang Thi Phong Lan, Vice Rector of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, highlighted the significance of the school’s first training course, which commenced in November 1925. This event marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Indochina School of Fine Arts, now a part of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts.
The inception of the Indochina School of Fine Arts catalyzed the emergence of modern Vietnamese fine arts across mediums, including painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The curriculum drew inspiration from the Western pedagogical system, specifically the National School of Fine Arts of Paris.
Lan emphasized, “Since 1925, the school has been instrumental in transforming Vietnamese artisans into artists, all while celebrating the richness of traditional Vietnamese art. It played a pivotal role in awakening and cultivating the artistic consciousness of Vietnamese artists, guiding them on a path of modern nationalism that seamlessly blended with global artistic trends.”
Professor Nguyen Xuan Tien, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, underscored the transformative nature of the Indochina Fine Arts School. He remarked that it represented a quantum leap for Vietnamese fine arts, transitioning from folk and popular art forms to scholarly fine arts within a structured academic environment.
| ‘Tailors’ by Nguyen Phan Chanh, a silk painting by one of the first students of the Indochina Fine Arts School, showcases the mastery of the medium. |
This new era in Vietnamese art was marked by the inclusion of the artist’s name, year of creation, and materials used in their works, signifying a departure from the anonymity of ancient Vietnamese artistic traditions.
Professor Tien further elaborated, “The exceptional students of the Indochina Fine Arts School became masters of a new artistic movement. They fearlessly explored and celebrated materials steeped in national identity, such as silk, lacquer, oil painting, and sculpture. Their subjects ranged from portraits and landscapes to still life and daily scenes. This marked a pivotal turning point for Vietnamese fine arts, setting it on a course of innovation and global recognition.”
Vietnamese Art Embarks on a New Journey
A recent discussion forum in Hanoi, titled “The Revival of Modern Art in Indochina,” brought together international experts and descendants of renowned painters from the Indochina Fine Arts era. Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, President of the Association of Asian Artists in Paris (AAP), chaired this insightful event.
Nicola Baudo, a descendant of painter Victor Tardieu, reflected on the most valuable legacy of Tardieu and his associates, stating, “Their humanistic approach to art, characterized by humility, respect, and expertise, remains their enduring spirit. This has nurtured the talents of countless artists, fostering a community that values respect and sincerity in the pursuit of artistic excellence across generations.”
| Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, President of the Association of Asian Artists in Paris, has dedicated a decade to researching Vietnamese fine arts. Photo: Viet Art View |
Baudo further emphasized the contagious nature of respect and sincerity in the artistic realm, transcending historical changes and fostering connections between people through art.
Art researcher Ngo Kim Khoi, nephew of artist Nam Son, offered insights into the unique position of Vietnamese paintings, particularly those from the Indochina period, in the international market. He noted the dedicated auctions for Indochinese art in France as a testament to its global appeal.
Khoi also shed light on the contemporary art scene, highlighting its ongoing journey to forge its own path and step out from the shadow of Indochina art. “Contemporary artists are crafting their own creative trends, experimenting with materials and styles,” he observed. “While not all ventures are successful, Vietnamese artists continue their quest for a unique style. Installation art, in my opinion, stands as a shining example of their triumphs.”
| Art scholar Ngo Kim Khoi (second from left) and Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier (right) engage in a thought-provoking discussion on Vietnamese fine arts. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times |
Dr. Pham Trung, a fine arts researcher, reflected on the enduring legacy of the Indochina School of Fine Arts, noting how its cultural and spiritual values continue to shape social aesthetics. He pointed to the architectural designs of early architects, the interior design of the Memo Company, and the innovative fashion aesthetics of Le Mur ao dai as examples of the Indochina Fine Arts style’s influence.
“The last generation of painters from the Indochina School of Fine Arts left an indelible mark on Vietnam’s art history,” asserted Dr. Trung. “Their works not only paved the way for contemporary artistic expressions but also solidified our artistic heritage. Through their creations, they infused strong personal imprints, embracing nationalism and modernity, thereby inspiring new generations of Vietnamese artists to forge their own unique identity in the world of fine arts.”
The Creative Trio: Vietnam’s Artistic Masters Take Paris by Storm
For the very first time, the Musée Cernuschi in Paris is presenting a unique exhibition, honouring three iconic Vietnamese artists: Le Pho (1907-2001), Mai Trung Thu (1906-1980), and Vu Cao Dam (1908-2000). This special collection, on display until May 4th, showcases the extraordinary talent and legacy of these renowned masters, offering a rare glimpse into their captivating works and a tribute to their enduring influence on the art world.
The Art of Vietnam: Showcasing the Country’s Talent on a Global Stage
“The Affordable Art Fair 2024, held in London, UK, from October 16 to 20, showcased an array of diverse and captivating artworks by an impressive 13 local artists. The fair attracted a plethora of art enthusiasts, who were treated to a stunning display of creative talent from within their community.”
Vietnamese Art Showcase: Bridging the Gap Between Artists and French Admirers
The works of three esteemed Vietnamese painters are currently on display at the Cernuschi Museum in Paris, France. This esteemed Asian art museum is playing host to a remarkable exhibition, showcasing the talent and creativity of these celebrated artists.
The Captivating Art Exhibition: Hanoi and Vietnamese Heritage Unveiled
With a masterful command of the visual arts, the artists will weave a narrative that delves into the rich sediments of Vietnamese heritage. Through the mediums of oil painting, lacquer, ceramics, and silk, they will unveil the hidden cultural values that are intertwined with contemporary life. It promises to be a captivating journey, one that explores the depths of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry.
The Masterful Brushstrokes of Tran Van Can: Unveiling a Legacy
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum commemorated the 30th death anniversary of renowned Vietnamese painter, Tran Van Can, with the launch of a book celebrating his artistic legacy. On August 8, the museum unveiled this publication as a tribute to the master artist, marking three decades since his passing in 1994.
