Introduction to traditional and modern painting
Painting is one of the important traditional art forms, reflecting not only the culture but also the soul of the nation. Throughout history, Vietnamese painting has undergone many changes, from works imbued with folk and religious elements to creative modern painting schools. The intersection between classical and modern elements has created a new look for Vietnamese painting, bringing diversity and richness to contemporary art.
Exploring traditional painting is not only about learning about works that have existed for hundreds of years, but also about how modern artists inherit and develop the quintessence of classical art and incorporate new creations. In this article, we will learn about traditional painting and its blend with modern art, creating a unique style in Vietnamese fine arts.
Vietnamese classical painting art
Traditional Vietnamese painting was formed and developed over many centuries, reflecting the cultural, historical and religious values of the nation. Folk paintings such as Dong Ho, Hang Trong or Kim Hoang are typical examples of classical Vietnamese painting. These works not only have aesthetic value but also contain stories, beliefs and philosophies of life of the Vietnamese people from ancient times.
Dong Ho paintings, one of the most famous genres, are printed on Do paper with natural colors from plants, flowers and leaves. These paintings often depict daily life, festivals, and folk tales, reflecting the pure soul of the Vietnamese people. Images such as “Mouse Wedding,” “Valor and Prosperity,” and “Prosperity” have become cultural and artistic symbols of the nation.
Hang Trong paintings, originating from Hanoi, bear the strong imprint of religion and belief. In particular, paintings on religious themes such as worship paintings and Buddha paintings are often delicately decorated with soft, graceful lines. These are works that express people’s reverence and belief in the spiritual world.
The emergence of modern painting
In the early 20th century, when Vietnam entered a period of modernization and cultural integration, Vietnamese painting also began to be influenced by Western art trends. The birth of the Indochina School of Fine Arts (École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine) in 1925 marked an important turning point for Vietnamese fine arts. Under the guidance of French painters such as Victor Tardieu and Joseph Inguimberty, Vietnamese painters began to familiarize themselves with new materials such as oil paint, watercolor and gouache, in addition to traditional materials such as lacquer and silk.
Famous painters of this period such as Nguyen Phan Chanh, To Ngoc Van, Bui Xuan Phai, and Le Pho contributed to building the foundation for modern Vietnamese painting. They not only absorbed techniques from the West but also sought to combine them with traditional styles, creating works that were imbued with national identity but still full of creativity and innovation.
Nguyen Phan Chanh, with his famous silk paintings, has successfully used traditional materials to create modern works. His paintings often depict the daily life of farmers, with delicate, gentle strokes and bright colors. To Ngoc Van, with his painting “Young girl with lilies,” has become a symbol of the combination of Western art and Vietnamese tradition, when he used oil painting techniques to express the gentle, graceful beauty of Vietnamese women.
The fusion of classic and modern in contemporary painting
Today, Vietnamese artists continue to maintain and develop the blend of classical and modern art. Many young artists have sought to draw inspiration from traditional folk paintings and combine them with modern styles, creating works that are both imbued with the past and contemporary.
Lacquer, one of the traditional materials of Vietnam, has been used by many modern artists to create unique works. Lacquer is not only a painting technique but also a symbol of perseverance and meticulousness. Modern artists such as Nguyen Gia Tri and Pham Hau have turned lacquer into a diverse artistic tool, helping them create paintings that are both classic and new.
Contemporary artist Do Hoang Tuong, with the combination of traditional materials and modern elements, has created emotional and creative works. His paintings often contain surreal elements, with images of people and nature intertwined, reflecting the relationship between the past and the present, between people and the surrounding world.
The influence of traditional painting in international art
The fusion of classical and modern in Vietnamese painting is not only recognized domestically but also attracts the attention of the international art world. Many Vietnamese artists have achieved great success in the international arena, as their works both express national identity and have global creativity.
Nguyen Gia Tri’s lacquer paintings have been exhibited in many prestigious art museums around the world, while Le Pho’s works have become symbols of Vietnamese art at international exhibitions. This proves that the combination of classical and modern art not only helps preserve tradition but also creates new values for art.
The future of Vietnamese painting
The fusion of the classical and the modern in traditional Vietnamese painting not only helps preserve long-standing cultural and artistic values but also opens the door for creativity and innovation. Modern artists are constantly exploring and experimenting with new methods, combining the quintessence of the past with advanced ideas and techniques to create works of art and value.
In the future, Vietnamese painting will certainly continue to develop strongly, with the contribution of talented and creative young artists. The combination of classical and modern art not only helps Vietnamese painting affirm its position domestically but also reaches out to the world, becoming an important part of global art.
