"Weaving brocade" on the wall

My first impression of Mr. Nguyen Tan Nghi, a resident of Rach Gia ward, was that he embodied a combination of innate artistic talent and an intense passion for space.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Nghi next to his mural artwork. Photo: CAM TU

With his skillful hands, Mr. Nghi creates unique mural paintings, winning over clients with his dedication and professional integrity. Each artwork is a testament to his passion, leaving a brilliant mark on his proud artistic journey. Few would guess that this talented artist, who is now diligently working with colors, once spent a long time teaching. The decision to stop teaching and switch to mural painting was a difficult turning point.

Nghi recalled his early days as a self-taught artist, starting from scratch without formal training. "The technique of painting on walls is vastly different from painting on canvas. It requires the artist to have a comprehensive view of the space, a thorough understanding of the materials, and the overall composition," Nghi shared. In the beginning, there were times when the finished product wasn't to his liking, requiring him to erase and repaint many times. The pressure almost made him give up. But then, his burning passion motivated him to persevere.

In the flow of modern architecture, mural painting is no longer a foreign concept, and those who wield the brush are not uncommon. However, staying in the profession and establishing a personal brand is another matter entirely. After years of diligent research and accumulating experience from practice, Mr. Nghi has successfully transformed hundreds of lifeless walls into vibrant works of art. Each square meter of color delivered to his clients is not just a product of art, but also the culmination of a genuine value, helping him gradually establish a solid position in the local applied arts scene.

To date, Mr. Nghi's artistic legacy comprises over 500 works, both large and small. Not limited to walls, he demonstrates his versatility by working with various materials such as wood, glass, brick, and even metal. His mark is evident in numerous projects, from historically significant murals at historical sites to scenic landscape paintings in the Minh Luong residential area and the Go supermarket and Highlands Coffee chain in Rach Gia ward… The stone turtle statue at Hon Son, Kien Hai Special Economic Zone, created by him and his partner, has become a popular photo spot for tourists visiting the island.

For Mr. Nghi, murals are not just decoration but an integral part of architecture. Depending on the level of detail, each square meter of a mural costs between 350,000 and 800,000 VND. The most challenging are the classical, historical, or Buddhist murals, where every line demands absolute precision and sustained effort. Every time he passes by and admires the murals he has created, Mr. Nghi is filled with indescribable joy mixed with pride, because for him, they are not just commercial products but "spiritual children" that he has painstakingly created. He loves his profession and cherishes each product he makes.

Despite having established a reputation and receiving orders from many localities within the province and other provinces and cities such as Ca Mau , Bac Lieu, and Can Tho, Mr. Nghi continues to innovate and hone his skills. He believes that artists who do not constantly explore and research will soon fall behind the trends and demanding tastes of customers. Currently, he is also dedicating his efforts to training the next generation, helping five apprentices master the craft to spread the beauty of mural painting art.

Regarding the durability of his artwork, Mr. Nghi stated that indoor paintings can retain their colors for 15-20 years, while outdoor paintings, despite being exposed to the elements, will last for about 3-4 years. This is proof of the meticulous attention to detail in material selection and construction techniques that he always prioritizes.

In the future, Mr. Nghi plans to combine traditional hand-painting techniques with direct-to-wall printing technology, exploring new materials to improve productivity and painting quality. Even as technology changes, his spirit remains the same: "Every time I pick up a brush, I feel happy because I'm living my passion to the fullest."

Seeing the lifeless walls adorned with vibrant new coats of paint by Mr. Nghi's hands, many understand that happiness is not about doing the job you're best at, but about doing the job you love most with all your heart and unwavering determination.

CAM TU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/-det-gam-hoa-tren-tuong-a482279.html