Walking along Hanoi’s streets such asHang Khay and Hang Gai, it is common to see groups of foreign touristscontemplating and buying souvenirs, many choosing lacquer paintings asgifts for their relatives.
“The first thing I dowhenever I come to Vietnam is to go to the fine art and handicraftstreets in Hanoi to seek out my favourite lacquer products,” said Keikofrom Japan .
Vietnam’s unique painting techniques and materials give its lacquerpaintings their special character, she said, adding that the type ofpaint that people use to make paintings is the most special among theworld’s painting materials.
Many foreigners who love the paintings also want to learn how to makethem. Despite being an amateur, after four months of studying, LiubovFedovata, the wife of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Vietnam, was able toput on a small exhibition of her own lacquer paintings in her privatehouse.
In 2008, she organised an individual show entitled “Ukrainian arts,inspiration from the colourful beauty of Vietnam” in Ho Chi Minh City.
Not just everyday people, but also many foreign artists are interestedin the art of Vietnamese lacquer painting. In late 2009, youngVietnamese-American artist Phi Phi Oanh Nguyen put her lacquerpaintings on show in Vietnam .
For Nguyen, who was born and raised in Houston, Texas, in the US,Vietnam is a foreign country, although she was brought up in aVietnamese family. Before arriving in Vietnam to learn how to makelacquer paintings, she had to study the Vietnamese language.
After two years, with help from her Vietnamese friends, Nguyencompleted her dazzling work, “Specula” – mirrors reflecting thespecific architectural space of Hanoi through a lacquer painting drawnon the foundation of a curved dome.
In addition to lacquer paintings drawn on wood and iron foundations,the female artist also has a dream to restore the lacquer industry inVietnam.
For German artist Ursula, her interest in the medium originated fromlacquer paintings that her husband bought during his Vietnam visit 15years ago. In 2005, the artist came to Vietnam to learn the technique.
To showcase this unique form of art before world friends, since 1993,the Hanoi University of Fine Arts has held a lacquer painting teachingclass for foreigners. From several trainees at the beginning, the classnow regularly attracts about 30 students every session.
Born in the 18th century, Vietnam ’s lacquer art has been continuouslyrefined and developed, especially during the periods from 1945 to 1975and between 1985 and 1990.
In addition to serving the domestic market, Vietnamese lacquer productshave been exported to many other countries and won customers’ favour./.
“The first thing I dowhenever I come to Vietnam is to go to the fine art and handicraftstreets in Hanoi to seek out my favourite lacquer products,” said Keikofrom Japan .
Vietnam’s unique painting techniques and materials give its lacquerpaintings their special character, she said, adding that the type ofpaint that people use to make paintings is the most special among theworld’s painting materials.
Many foreigners who love the paintings also want to learn how to makethem. Despite being an amateur, after four months of studying, LiubovFedovata, the wife of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Vietnam, was able toput on a small exhibition of her own lacquer paintings in her privatehouse.
In 2008, she organised an individual show entitled “Ukrainian arts,inspiration from the colourful beauty of Vietnam” in Ho Chi Minh City.
Not just everyday people, but also many foreign artists are interestedin the art of Vietnamese lacquer painting. In late 2009, youngVietnamese-American artist Phi Phi Oanh Nguyen put her lacquerpaintings on show in Vietnam .
For Nguyen, who was born and raised in Houston, Texas, in the US,Vietnam is a foreign country, although she was brought up in aVietnamese family. Before arriving in Vietnam to learn how to makelacquer paintings, she had to study the Vietnamese language.
After two years, with help from her Vietnamese friends, Nguyencompleted her dazzling work, “Specula” – mirrors reflecting thespecific architectural space of Hanoi through a lacquer painting drawnon the foundation of a curved dome.
In addition to lacquer paintings drawn on wood and iron foundations,the female artist also has a dream to restore the lacquer industry inVietnam.
For German artist Ursula, her interest in the medium originated fromlacquer paintings that her husband bought during his Vietnam visit 15years ago. In 2005, the artist came to Vietnam to learn the technique.
To showcase this unique form of art before world friends, since 1993,the Hanoi University of Fine Arts has held a lacquer painting teachingclass for foreigners. From several trainees at the beginning, the classnow regularly attracts about 30 students every session.
Born in the 18th century, Vietnam ’s lacquer art has been continuouslyrefined and developed, especially during the periods from 1945 to 1975and between 1985 and 1990.
In addition to serving the domestic market, Vietnamese lacquer productshave been exported to many other countries and won customers’ favour./.
