Lacquer, silk painting exhibit embraces female curves

The exhibition, taking place Nov. 1-7 in the art gallery at 29 Hang Bai Street, displays 65 works by painters Ngo Thanh Nhan and Le Thi Huong. Of these, 31 are lacquer paintings spanning Nhan’s 40-year career.

Nhan depicts his characters’ shape and curves in a simple and minimal style, without neglecting emotion. He uses the traditional lacquer method, including materials like egg shells, clams, gold, and silver.

To solve the problem of rigidity, he applied many layers and polish to obtain the desired effect. Each painting took about two months to complete.

“I had to paint and inlay the materials in layers and tints, then polish them to get the color and balance I wanted,” Nhan said.

The other 34 paintings are by Huong, who portrayed the female figure from many angles. Huong said she was fascinated by confident, strong and curvy women. The artist used specialized watercolors to paint on silk and chose strong hues with high contrast.

“The result is a combination of Vietnamese folk and contemporary aesthetics,” Huong said.

She added she tried to depict the sensual nature of the female form without straying into vulgarity.

“Both artists painted with love and passion. Neither offend, but instead, mesmerize the viewer,” said Painter Bang Lam.

Nhan, 66, is a member of Vietnam Fine Art Association. He is specialized in lacquer painting. During his 40-year career, his work has been displayed in Hong Kong, China and Singapore.

Huong, 55, is a freelance painter whose works have been displayed in many group and individual exhibitions.