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The Soul of Vietnam: Hanoi Artist’s Lacquer Paintings

The lacquer paintings of Hanoi-based artist Chu Quang are a unique fusion of traditional and modern art. With a distinct style, Quang captures the essence of northern Vietnam's rural landscapes in a way that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. His works are a beautiful portrayal of simplicity and depth, offering a fresh perspective on the countryside's timeless charm.

Administrator

17 August, 2024

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Chu Quang’s art is a beautiful fusion of tradition and modernity, a testament to his diverse and rich cultural background. His unique artistic vision is inspired by traditional mascots such as turtles, dragons, unicorns, and phoenixes, which he seamlessly weaves into his lacquer works.

Quang’s early exploration of still life lacquered paintings laid the foundation for his distinctive style. Ordinary objects like fruits, ceramic vases, and household items were brought to life with vibrant colors and delicate techniques, a skill passed down from his grandfather. This initial phase of his artistic journey set the tone for his evolving creativity.

Chu Quang, from a young age, has had a deep passion for art. This photo captures his intense focus and creativity. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Chu Quang’s inventiveness shines through in his still-life paintings, a genre that can often be monotonous. His use of lacquer, a medium that allows for texture and color play, adds depth and vibrancy to his work. Quang’s paintings not only showcase his artistic talent but also take viewers on a journey, revealing the understated elegance of everyday life.

The artist’s first piece, Bellflowers in a Ceramic Vase, is a testament to his creative experimentation. Inspired by a pottery class, Quang memorized unusual ceramic shapes and translated them into paintings, marking the beginning of his exploration with lacquer. This unique approach to still life demonstrated his desire to push artistic boundaries.

Quang’s landscape paintings are a serene and profound blend of the modern and the traditional. His talent and passion, coupled with the beauty of Vietnamese culture, are evident in these works, capturing the attention of viewers and immersing them in his creative world.

Chu Quang’s artistic style seamlessly blends modernity with the traditional lacquer technique, creating a unique and captivating visual experience.

The artist’s choice of lacquer as his primary medium is intentional. Having experimented with watercolor and charcoal, among other mediums, Quang found that lacquer satisfied his urge to create texture and explore color. Each of his pieces is a tribute to traditional values, infused with a fresh, contemporary perspective that makes his work stand out in the world of Vietnamese lacquer art.

In his creative process, Quang initially worked with conventional shades of red and gold leaf in lacquer. However, as he forged his own artistic path, he began to choose colors based on his preferences, seamlessly blending tradition with modern color schemes and brightness.

Chu Quang’s decision to pursue lacquer art was influenced by his family’s cultural emphasis on national origin. With his father and grandfather by his side, he embarked on a challenging journey to master the traditional lacquer technique, grateful for their inspiration and guidance.

“I find the process of carefully applying eggshells, layer by layer, to be strangely compelling,” Quang shared. “The repetitive nature of the process and the unexpected outcomes it produces excite me every time. It’s an ecstatic experience that defies description.”

Dedication and Recognition

Renowned artist Thanh Chuong praised Chu Quang’s unique ability to combine the contemporary and the traditional in his paintings seamlessly. “A painter whose work is instantly recognizable is an outstanding success,” Chuong added, highlighting the young artist’s distinct style.

Chu Quang’s creative inspiration stems from water puppets and the beauty of rural landscapes, evident in the vibrant colors and themes of his lacquer art.

According to Chuong, Chu Quang’s artistic identity is shaped by his family background and his experiences studying abroad. Growing up in an artistic family, Quang’s work is influenced by his father and grandparents, but he has successfully forged his own path. “Quang has the core of national cultural origin within him,” Chuong remarked, acknowledging the young artist’s innate connection to his heritage.

Poet and painter Nguyen Quang Thieu also expressed his admiration for Chu Quang’s passion for large-scale paintings, which require a high level of skill and mastery. Thieu acknowledged the challenges faced by the young artist in choosing traditional lacquer, which may not be as eye-catching as lacquer from other countries. However, he believed that Quang’s passion and dedication to his craft would lead to success in bringing traditional values into contemporary life.

At just 30 years old, Chu Quang has already created 50 large-scale works in a single year, a testament to his prolific creativity. His upcoming exhibition at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on the occasion of the Capital Liberation anniversary (October 10) promises to be a showcase of his remarkable talent and a celebration of Vietnamese art and culture.

This painting, inspired by Turtle, a popular figure in water puppetry, is a stunning example of Chu Quang’s ability to capture the essence of cultural icons in his artwork.