Young artist Nguyen Duc Thang: 'Art only truly comes alive when the artist constantly expands their own boundaries.'

Artist Nguyen Duc Thang, born in 2001, graduated from the Vietnam Fine Arts University, class K63, Painting Department - Lacquer Painting specialization. In 2018, at the age of 17, he held the Young Talents Exhibition of Hanoi College of Arts, followed by the Student Exhibition of Vietnam Fine Arts University (2022).

Talent knows no age, and Duc Thang has achieved early success in his artistic career. He won the Painting Department award at the Vietnam Fine Arts University Student Exhibition in 2024. His work "Myphobia" has been featured in newspapers such as Lao Dong Newspaper and Dai Bieu Nhan Dan Newspaper (2024), as well as at the exhibitions "Interchange: Beginning - Harmony - Life" and "Springtime Beauty" (2025).

In an interview with a reporter from the Newspaper and Public Opinion magazine, he revealed his emotionally charged creative process, his firm stance on the art environment, and why daring to step outside one's comfort zone is what creates true value.

PV: As a young artist actively involved in the creative field, could you share about your journey in pursuing art?

Artist Nguyen Duc Thang: From middle school and the beginning of high school, I realized I loved drawing and could only excel in this field. I think that if I couldn't truly and sustainably pursue art, life would lose its meaning.

That's why I'm determined to study fine arts. And I think that having "talent" isn't enough; you have to dare to pick up a brush and draw, dare to act on your passion, and strive to learn and find the right path.

Screenshot taken on 2025-12-11 at 22:46.11 — Artist Nguyen Duc Thang with his artwork "Wang - Lingering" at the "Nét Xuân Son" exhibition. Photo: Provided by the artist.

Besides that, I always tell myself: I must be selective about the exhibitions I participate in and learn from. I don't support "fast food exhibitions"—events that are organized too casually and quickly.

They can dilute the value of painting and mislead those new to the art world. Finding carefully selected exhibition spaces is crucial.

PV: We understand that you currently have two works on display at the "Springtime Charm" exhibition. Could you share a little about these two works and the creative process behind them?

Artist Nguyen Duc Thang : When I heard the concept of the exhibition "Springtime Charm," I came up with ideas for two works. These two paintings are based on the idea of the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. I chose to depict the moment of transition between Autumn and Winter because that is the emotion I particularly want to convey – a feeling of "lingering affection."

It's the feeling you get when you deeply cherish a moment, wanting to hold onto it and return to it, even knowing it's fleeting. Personally, I always get sick during the autumn-winter transition, as if by design, so I named the artwork "Lingering Feelings."

In terms of imagery, I initially considered depicting a forbidden love between two women. However, since this is a female-focused exhibition, I felt that including a male character might be inappropriate. Therefore, I decided to paint two girls, showing their close bond and affection for each other, which is perhaps more thoughtful and suitable.

PV: So, what was the biggest challenge you ever faced during your artistic career?

Artist Nguyen Duc Thang: In the journey of art, difficulties are unavoidable. I think I just do my best, and see how far I can go. Sometimes, when I think I'm about to give up on a work, that's when it's about to take shape.

I cannot create works in a forced or formulaic way. For me, once I've decided to stop at a certain point, it means the work is truly complete.

Screenshot taken on 2025-12-11 at 22:47:58 — "My phobia" (2024), lacquer painting by young artist Nguyen Duc Thang. Photo: Provided by the artist.

For me, art is like a flowing stream, constantly moving, and if you go with the flow naturally, you'll surely find your destination. Besides that, I think the most important thing, and also the biggest challenge for many artists, is self-reliance. We must overcome challenges and maintain self-discipline.

PV: Could you share more about your artistic philosophy and what makes each of your paintings unique?

Artist Nguyen Duc Thang: I believe that art truly comes alive only when the artist constantly expands their own boundaries. Not limiting the subject matter or materials is not only a creative choice, but also a way to explore personal identity through various dimensions of art.

Each material is a language in itself, each theme is a new window opening up emotions, and experimentation is the bridge that leads artists to unique discoveries that they themselves could never have imagined.

For me, creative freedom is the foundation of art, and daring to step outside one's comfort zone is what gives each work its true value.

Source: https://congluan.vn/hoa-si-tre-nguyen-duc-thang-nghe-thuat-chi-thuc-su-song-khi-nguoi-nghe-si-khong-ngung-mo-rong-gioi-han-cua-chinh-minh-10322273.html