The emotional artistic journey of painter Mai Thi Kim Uyen

After many sleepless nights with her easel, artist Mai Thi Kim Uyen (Gia Lai) brought to the public of Ho Chi Minh City 54 of her heartfelt oil paintings in her second solo exhibition, opening on the morning of September 9 at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.

The exhibition "Stars in the Night" follows the success of "The Capricious Girls" (2023) by artist Mai Thi Kim Uyen. But beyond the number of 54 paintings or the oil painting technique, what holds the audience's attention is the story behind it: the image of a simple female artist, a devoted mother, quietly spending her steadfast days and sleepless nights conversing with herself through each brushstroke.

The highlight of the exhibition is the large-scale painting "What is Happiness?", 5.4 m long, 1.8 m high, composed of 9 panels, completed by Mai Thi Kim Uyen within a year. Not only a technical challenge, the work also marks a journey of discovery and distillation of deep emotions.

"It's a peaceful sleep, more peaceful like a star filled with happy stories," the artist shared.

Artist Mai Thi Kim Uyen with the work "What is happiness?"

PHOTO: TRAN HIEU

Painter Ho Thi Xuan Thu, a colleague from the mountain town who always accompanies Mai Thi Kim Uyen, commented: "When all the works are arranged in the studio, the whole space seems to light up, creating a feeling of an endless flow of creative energy."

Experts say that compared to the previous exhibition, Mai Thi Kim Uyen has made a big step forward in oil painting techniques. Her strong but unpretentious brushstrokes and her mastery of emotional movements have helped her create works that are both natural and graceful. Thanks to that, the 54 paintings at the exhibition are not only the author's voice but also a bridge leading viewers to the desires and concerns of a young generation searching for their identity.

"I believe the path I am taking is a sacred path that I am lucky to have chosen. Because of it, I have given up many personal needs to keep a pure space for myself dedicated to creativity," Mai Thi Kim Uyen confided.

According to artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu, Uyen's paintings "artize everyday life, but still retain the poetic, sweet beauty of strong wine." As for the author herself, this exhibition is not only a dialogue between artist and audience, but also a message: live life to the fullest with passion. "For me and for you," she gently confided.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hanh-trinh-nghe-thuat-day-cam-xuc-cua-hoa-si-mai-thi-kim-uyen-185250909135621624.htm