Oil paint and pastels work together in harmony in each painting of "Reflections of Light".

The exhibition features 29 paintings, primarily in oil and pastel, created by artist Nguyen Trong Tai over the past five years. Sharing his thoughts at the exhibition, artist Nguyen Trong Tai stated that everything in life possesses its own unique beauty, carrying within it a pure light. Some beauties sparkle and shine in the moment of existence, while others illuminate after experiencing ups and downs, brokenness and hardship…

Artist Nguyen Trong Tai shares his thoughts about the exhibition. Photo: HD

“The reflected light is that very light, emanating from cracks and fragments of ancient artifacts buried beneath layers of geological strata, colliding with each other to create an orderly reflection. These beauties are ‘reflected,’ shining in reality, manifesting through the forms of ancient artifact fragments or supple, warm, and pulsating skin,” artist Nguyen Trong Tai expressed.

In "Reflections of the Past," artist Nguyen Trong Tai presents oil paintings on the theme of ancient architecture and ruins, using muted colors and solid compositions to convey a sense of historical depth and the ravages of time.

The exhibition attracted considerable attention from the art community and the general public. Photo: HD

The highlight of this exhibition is the collection of ballet paintings – a subject that has captivated the artist's research since his school days. The dancers in Nguyen Trong Tai's paintings are rich in romanticism, introspection, and warmth, imbued with a tranquil East Asian spirit. Their gazes are directed towards personal contemplation. Nguyen Trong Tai uses the technique of "palette color movement" to explore the hidden emotions and will within. It is a combination of international technique and the Vietnamese soul.

Regarding this exhibition, artist Luong Xuan Doan, President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, expressed: “Oil and pastel are a harmonious blend in each painting. The way of unearthing ancient artifacts that have sunk to the depths of oblivion is also a unique path, unlike anyone else's. Who doesn't admire beautiful women? Their soft shoulders, their graceful figures. Sometimes they dance elegantly, sometimes they are pensive, alone and empty, following the fate of a dancer. Longing for the reflected light, Nguyen Trong Tai has captured it through each painting…”

Enjoy the artworks at "Reflection of Light". Photo: HD

Running until December 27th, the "Reflection of Light" exhibition is not only a personal milestone for artist Nguyen Trong Tai, but also a declaration of a generation of Vietnamese artists who have used self-discipline to transform challenges into achievements.

Artist Nguyen Trong Tai was born in 1978 in Thai Nguyen. He graduated from the Hanoi University of Fine Arts (now the Vietnam University of Fine Arts) in 2004 with a major in woodblock printing. Oil paint was the medium Nguyen Trong Tai pursued after graduation and continued for many years. Recently, he has turned to pastel.

Artist Nguyen Trong Tai has participated in numerous group exhibitions both domestically and internationally. These include the "Young Eyes" exhibition in Hanoi in 2004; the National Fine Arts Exhibitions in Hanoi in 2005 and 2010; a group exhibition in Malaysia in 2008; the "Realm of Emotions" group exhibition in Hanoi in 2014; and the "Aspiration" group exhibition in Hanoi in 2017…

Some of the works on display at the exhibition: