Impressive exhibition of stunning Buddhist paintings made from 9999 gold.

A Buddhist painting made of gold is currently on display in Hanoi . (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

From now until December 20th, the exhibition "Golden Paintings of Enlightenment" by artist Thien Hai (real name Vu Khac Diep) is taking place at the Fine Arts Exhibition House, 16 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi.

Visitors can admire 80 paintings on various themes, most notably Buddhist themes, all made entirely from 9999 pure gold on metal surfaces.

Unlike common methods such as gold plating or gold leafing, the artist uses gold in powder and liquid form, combined with high temperatures from a blowtorch to create lines on the metal surface.

The technique requires meticulous attention to detail and extensive experience, because even a small deviation in temperature can cause the gold to be damaged or discolored.

Artist Thien Hai receives certificate for setting a record. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

Being both a businessman and a passionate artist, Thien Hai shared that he has spent over 20 years researching, experimenting, and perfecting his gold painting skills on metal.

After hundreds of failures, he gradually mastered the skill of controlling temperature and the properties of the materials, thus being able to create beautiful and elegant effects in his paintings.

Using gold as a medium, the artist, born in 1981, aims to convey and spread the spirit of honoring Truth, Goodness, and Beauty to the public, while affirming the eternal existence of these positive values.

"For me, gold is not only a precious material but also a symbol of life energy, light, and purity," Thien Hai shared.

A portrait of Buddha made of gold on a painting by Thien Hai. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

Artist Hoang Nghia Hiep, former lecturer at the University of Industrial Fine Arts, commented that Thien Hai's paintings are of great value in both material and craftsmanship. The artist's brushstrokes have very unique Vietnamese characteristics, rather than leaning towards the overly sharp and distinctive lines of other Buddhist traditions.

"It's about purity, local character, and unique charm, especially when foreign cultures are flooding into Vietnam so strongly," he remarked.

A former lecturer at the University of Industrial Fine Arts also believes that artist Thien Hai has very well demonstrated the exquisite craftsmanship on gold. According to him, with a diverse range of themes from Buddhism to everyday landscapes, but also featuring culturally and historically significant destinations or age-old proverbs, Thien Hai conveys a common spirit – Zen philosophy – throughout the entire exhibition.

Ms. Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, commented that Thien Hai's paintings are impossible to copy, partly because of the immense value of the materials used, and partly due to the depth of technique and craftsmanship that few can achieve.

"In Vietnam, perhaps Thien Hai is the only one who uses gold in this way. Looking at his paintings, you'll see a relaxed and gentle spirit that touches the heart. In Thien Hai, I see a great passion and love for his craft," commented Ms. Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh.

Thanks to his efforts and the significance of his artwork, artist Thien Hai was awarded the certificate by the Vietnam Record Organization (VietKings) for "Owning the largest collection of gold paintings on metal surfaces in Vietnam" (with a total of 113 works).

Speaking to the press, artist Thien Hai said he would not be selling his paintings. After the exhibition at 16 Ngo Quyen, the works will continue to be exhibited in many places both domestically and internationally.

Here are some photos from the exhibition: