The storyteller of my village

(GLO) - Not only is she renowned as one of the few female artists in the Central and Central Highlands regions who has successfully pursued lacquer painting, but artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu is also a masterful storyteller of her village through the language of painting.

Having been associated with Gia Lai for 40 years, a mountainous region that never ceases to captivate with its pristine character, artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu continues to affirm her remarkable artistic output, while simultaneously connecting with and inspiring young female artists in the area.

Pursuing the traditional Vietnamese painting style.

Sculptor Pham Van Hang was moved and "surprised by her physical strength and hard work" when he visited her workshop. Why did she choose to dedicate herself to lacquer painting for decades?

- Initially, many friends and colleagues were apprehensive for me, but I still chose to pursue lacquer painting because it is a traditional Vietnamese art form, and moreover, the paintings retain their durability over time. After experimenting with many different materials, I realized this is exactly the material I was looking for.

Artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu has maintained her love for lacquer painting for decades. Photo: Phuong Duyen

* It is known that making lacquer paintings is arduous and requires meticulous effort, making it a challenge for artists, especially women. Could you share your thoughts on this?

- It's true that lacquer painting is very hard work. First, the artist has to get used to the possibility of being allergic to the paint. In the beginning, I had itchy skin, sometimes even swelling all over my body, and had to go to the hospital for treatment, but I... persevered, and eventually got used to it. This type of painting has the characteristic of drying in humidity, so it also depends on the "weather and conditions"; when the weather is too humid or too dry, it's ruined, and you have to scrape off the meticulously crafted brushstrokes and repaint, which is very laborious.

The most arduous step in lacquer painting is polishing the canvas. It requires considerable strength and effort to achieve the correct level of polish, and after polishing, the painting is done, sometimes with dozens of layers. Furthermore, pursuing this art form requires careful management of many things: time (balancing family and work); finances (material costs are quite high); and the emotional flow (the process from start to finish often takes a long time). Therefore, regardless of whether the painting is good or bad, the artistic labor involved in lacquer painting alone is invaluable.

The beauty of the Central Highlands is deeply ingrained in my heart.

* When mentioning the female artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu, art lovers immediately think of a female artist from Hue who is passionate about stories of the Central Highlands villages. Surely, there must have been a love great and deep enough for the stories of the villages to be recounted so vividly and authentically?

- The culture of the Central Highlands gradually permeated my being from 1985, when I began working at the Department of Culture of Gia Lai - Kon Tum (formerly). In the years that followed, my husband, photographer Tran Phong, and I traveled together to the remote villages of the province for fieldwork, one taking photos, the other sketching. Sometimes, we would visit acquaintances in the village, cook our own meals, and pick our own fruits from the garden. The people of the Central Highlands are so lovely and hospitable.

The beauty of the land and people here gradually touches and permeates my heart in a genuine and natural way. I see beauty everywhere, from simple life to culture, beliefs, and the very soul of the region... If my paintings possess a rustic, free, and powerful quality, it is precisely the authentic value of life in the Central Highlands that I perceive, or that I have become a part of the Central Highlands.

I named my 2024 solo exhibition "Listening to Stories of My Village" because I now see it as the story of my own village, not just the story of a Central Highlands village seen through the eyes of a girl from Hue.

The artwork "Forest Men" by artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu.

* Among the works depicting the Central Highlands, which one holds the most memories for you?

- That's the painting "Forest Men" (80x200 cm), created in 2005. At that time, it was the 30th anniversary of the province's liberation, and I was very busy with the task of making propaganda banners and setting up the outdoor stage. I'll never forget that day when heavy rain and strong winds caused the main stage's banner to collapse, so my colleagues and I had to stay up all night rebuilding the stage.

At that very moment, the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) announced a selection of outstanding works to be submitted for an exhibition at the APEC 2005 Summit. The painting "Forest Men" was submitted and was honored to be selected.

This work was later featured in many other exhibitions in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Many people have inquired about buying it, but I want to keep it as a memento of my artistic journey.

Break free from old habits and embrace the rhythm of life.

Creative constraints are a constant challenge for artists. However, her determination to reinvent herself by breaking free from familiar patterns to paint the Central Highlands has astonished many. Instead of vibrant festivals, her work depicts simple yet captivating scenes and everyday life. At over 60 years old, why is she still so determined?

- Before 2005, I was a prolific writer, but after that, my children grew up, and my ambitions as a mother also grew. I opened an art and advertising company, throwing myself into business to provide my children with a good education. As a result, the time I dedicated to writing was significantly reduced.

However, I often wonder why I don't change, why I don't reinvent myself? I aim to be less dependent on common patterns and decorative motifs, and instead focus on the rhythm of movement and the living space. And once I've decided to pursue something, the paintings naturally flow beautifully. It feels like if I love them, they will love me back. I often tell my students that when they start working, they shouldn't think about selling their work or exhibiting it. Paint what you love first, put in the effort first, and then there will always be something to reap the rewards. "A woman's hard work will not go unrewarded."

The artwork "Listening to the Tale of Kieu at Night" by artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu.

* Despite her busy schedule, over the years she has been the initiator of solo exhibitions for female artists in the province; the upcoming exhibition of female artists from the North, Central, and South of Vietnam will take place in Pleiku, coinciding with October 20th. Why did she choose to light a candle not only for herself but also for many others?

- Although initiating these activities takes up a lot of my time, I still want to create a platform for female artists both within and outside the province. It's both an opportunity for interaction and networking, and a motivation for each person to find more inspiration in their artistic endeavors. In fact, when you share warmth, you are also warmed by others. I myself am connected with and learn from the younger generation, and my creative spirit is further enhanced.

Artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu (seated, far right) poses for a commemorative photo with her colleagues at the 2016 International Women Artists Exhibition in Japan. Photo: Provided by the artist.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/nguoi-ke-chuyen-lang-minh-post568936.html