The exhibition "Continuing the Path of Our Father" has just opened at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, marking the beginning of a series of moving art events by three siblings: painter-sculptor Nguyen Hong Hung, sculptor Van Thuyet, and painter Mai Trang.
The undercurrent of memories from the old townhouse
The theme "Continuing in Father's Path " is a silent prayer from three children for their late father, folk painter Hong Van, a simple artist who dedicated his life to creating many large-scale oil paintings.
The house at 46 Tran Nhat Duat Street ( Hanoi ) – where the three brothers grew up surrounded by colors and the sounds of chiseling – is still cherished and preserved as a miniature family museum. Although each has chosen their own path and creative style, they all come together here, under the artistic roof where their father laid the first bricks.
Becoming the focal point of the first sculpture exhibition (held from October 2nd to 7th), painter and sculptor Nguyen Hong Hung emerges as a teacher and a multi-talented artist with great confidence.
Born in 1952, he graduated from the Sculpture Department at the Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts. Throughout his career, he was not only a talented sculptor but also a passionate educator, having taught the Principles of Visual Design at numerous major universities in Ho Chi Minh City. He is the author of two classic books on art theory, considered essential reading by designers: "Principles of Visual Design" and "Principles of Visual Composition," and is also a talented writer under the pen name Hong Hoang.
Speaking about his creative journey, sculptor Nguyen Hong Hung confided: "I do what I like and I like what I do. If I find it beautiful, I continue working until it's finished, not to please anyone."
This free-spirited approach is clearly evident in the 10 heartfelt sculptures on display this time. Viewers can recognize a Nguyễn Hồng Hưng who is always striving to find a point of intersection – where light and scientific forms meet the simple, genuine emotions of the Vietnamese folk spirit.
There, one finds the bronze sculpture of Tien Dung and Chu Dong Tu (1985), which won second prize at the National Sculpture Exhibition; the silver father and golden son, which is respectfully preserved by the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum; and the papaya tree, which conveys the philosophy of life "knowing when enough is enough." The materials of Phu Lang pottery and bronze, in his works such as "The Path to Enlightenment," "The Path to Sainthood," and "Waiting for Good News, " resonate with a song of gratitude and portray a profound love for the sacrifices of Vietnamese women.
A reunion of kindred spirits
This event also features a fascinating artistic dialogue between three siblings. Sculptor Van Thuyet (Nguyen Hong My) – a former solo violinist before transitioning to the world of sculpture – brings the soaring spirit of music to his work, presenting 60 exquisite bronze sculptures at the exhibition. Painter Mai Trang – a daughter who grew up in Hanoi's Old Quarter, is self-taught in painting and has left a profound mark on major galleries in Italy.
The exhibition "Continuing the Path of My Father" not only showcases artworks but also touches the hearts of viewers with the passion for the craft passed down through generations. Gazing at the bronze and ceramic statues imbued with the colors of time, the public feels the powerful pulse of family love, father-son love, and eternal love for art.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/chuyen-3-anh-em-nghe-si-trong-can-nha-so-46-tran-nhat-duat-2561275.html
