Revitalizing Vietnamese lacquerware

At the exhibition "80 Years of the Journey of Independence, Freedom, and Happiness," the "Happy Vietnam" art space attracted a large number of visitors, especially the display of lacquer-carved artworks from Latoa Indochine, which became a highlight where folk heritage met contemporary art.

Latoa Indochine's display area within the "Happy Vietnam" exhibition space.

Happy Vietnam is a photo and video contest on the national image promotion platform “Vietnam.vn”. Visitors can admire 150 photos and 30 videos categorized into three themes: Happy Lands, showcasing the beauty of nature, cultural heritage, and the richness of different regions; Happy People, depicting images of work, study, creativity, and sharing; and Happy Moments, capturing ordinary yet emotionally charged moments of everyday life.

In this space, happiness is not only present in the images but also radiates into emotions connected to the message of a country built by the hands of labor and enduring creative spirit. In harmony with that spirit, the lacquer painting recreating King Ly Thai To's "Decree on Relocating the Capital" becomes a prominent highlight in the exhibition space.

With skillful hands and the language of modern painting, the artist has preserved the spirit and conveyed the aspirations for a prosperous and sustainable nation for all its people. Standing before the artwork, viewers not only see a royal decree but also feel the spirit and foresight of King Ly Thai To in his ambition to build a prosperous Thang Long.

The exquisite lacquerware with its vibrant, warm golden hues evokes the majesty of the dynasty, making viewers feel as if they are touching a piece of history. Visiting the exhibition area, Ms. Nguyen Van Ha ( Hanoi ) shared: "The exhibition space opens up a journey of rich artistic experience. The lacquerware works help viewers appreciate the essence of the nation and the talent of the artisans."

Originating from the essence of Hang Trong, Dong Ho, and Kim Hoang folk paintings, Latoa Indochine continues and renews this heritage with carved lacquer (a creative and unique combination of lacquer painting and carved lacquer techniques).

Folk paintings reflecting the life, beliefs, and aesthetics of the Vietnamese people over centuries are now skillfully recreated using multi-layered techniques of lacquer, metallic finishes, eggshells, and gold leaf, creating unique visual effects with varying degrees of clarity and opacity. Each artwork preserves the essence of the culture while evoking aspirations for happiness in the nation's development. From this fusion, Latoa's carved lacquer paintings not only awaken memories but also build a bridge connecting heritage with contemporary life.

Ms. Truong Hoang Dieu Linh, Director of Latoa Indochine Company, shared: "Making lacquer paintings is an elaborate journey requiring patience and masterful technique. From preparing the base (processing the wood), applying multiple layers of lacquer, sanding smooth, to hand-carving and painting, and then continuing to apply, sand, and polish multiple times… each step is meticulous. Each layer of sanding reveals a new layer of color and light, making the artwork a symphony of tradition and creativity, of materials and Vietnamese culture."

What captivated the public was not only the beauty of the paintings but also the opportunity for hands-on experience. Under the guidance of the artisans, many young people enthusiastically tried their hand at everything from preparing the base, shaping, carving, and polishing. These seemingly simple tasks revealed the subtlety that this art form demands when performed firsthand. Many participants were passionate about their work, eagerly anticipating the results. Over 1,000 paintings completed by visitors became memorable keepsakes and left an unforgettable experience. The exhibition thus not only offered visual enjoyment but also fostered a love for traditional culture, sparking curiosity and a sense of responsibility for preserving heritage.

Established in 2022, the name "Latoa" signifies spreading and reflecting the journey of building a Vietnamese cultural brand linked to traditional heritage. In just a few years, Latoa has made its mark through numerous exhibitions and cultural and artistic events both domestically and internationally, where carved lacquerware has been embraced as a vibrant new artistic movement, recognized not only as a traditional craft but also as a rich and dynamic art form.

The journey of Latoa Indochine demonstrates that heritage is not only a memory to be preserved but also a source of creativity and integration. In the process of globalization, art serves both as an aesthetic expression and as a powerful cultural and economic product. Young artisans from Latoa are making lacquerware a cultural ambassador and contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam to the world. This is also how Vietnamese art affirms its position in today's cultural industry.

NGOC LIEN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lam-moi-son-mai-viet-nam-post906584.html