Exhibition dedicated to the northern region by 80-year-old painter Đỗ Đức opens
Renowned 80-year-old artist Đỗ Đức is showcasing a collection of his oil paintings inspired by the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Vietnam's northern mountainous region. The exhibition, titled Non Nước Biên Thùy (Borderland), opens today at the Việt Nam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hà Nội, featuring over 50 carefully selected works that Đức has created over the past two decades.
Đức's paintings capture the essence of the northern region, particularly the stunning scenery of Hà Giang. His works reflect the dense forests, winding rivers, and majestic rocky plateaus that characterize this part of Vietnam. This exhibition, his seventh solo show, pays homage to the rugged beauty of the northern mountains, portraying themes connected to stone fields, spirited horses, and the daily lives of the local people. The highland markets and intimate dwellings of the region come to life through his brushstrokes, offering viewers a rich and vivid panorama of this unique landscape.
Among the featured works are Nắng Trên Dãy Hồng Ngài (Sunlight on Hồng Ngài Range), Sương Sớm Rẻo Cao (Morning Mist in the Plateau), Sườn Phía Tây Sơn Vĩ (West Slope of Sơn Vĩ), Huyền Thoại Khau Vai (Legend of Khau Vai), and Tháng Ba ở Xín Cái (March in Xín Cái). These paintings not only showcase the natural beauty of the region but also highlight the lives of the local ethnic communities, capturing their connection to the land and their horses, which are an integral part of their daily existence.
In addition to the exhibition, Đức will unveil his art book, Borderlands, which includes 200 paintings inspired by the rocky plateau. This book serves as a visual narrative of the region, emphasizing both the imposing landscape and the cultural richness of the local people.
On Saturday, September 14, Đức’s painting Lên Nương (On the Rice Field) will be auctioned off, with a starting bid of $1,500. Proceeds from the auction will go toward building a classroom for pupils in a remote village in Hà Giang, further extending the artist's commitment to the region that has so deeply inspired his work.
