Infusing contemporary spirit into folk paintings.

Nguyen Van Bac (born in 1996, artistic name Nam Chi) is one of the few young artists steadfastly dedicated to Hang Trong and Kim Hoang folk paintings. From theoretical research to creative practice, he is contributing to preserving and revitalizing these painting styles that were once closely associated with the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Thang Long.

Visiting his small house in Ha Dong ward ( Hanoi ), I was impressed by the space filled with Hang Trong paintings neatly arranged on the walls and easels. As the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 approaches, the young artist is still diligently completing religious paintings according to orders. In this space overflowing with traditional colors, the story of Nguyen Van Bac's journey to and dedication to folk painting gradually unfolds.

Young artist Nguyen Van Bac is passionate about folk painting.

His love for painting began very early, stemming from his instinctive perception of color. As a primary school student, he was particularly drawn to a painting of Quan Yin (Guan Yin) in an art textbook and repeatedly painted it, captivated by its composition and color palette. “At that time, I didn’t know it was folk art, nor was I aware of its value. But those soft colors and lines haunted me throughout my childhood,” Bắc recalled.

The turning point came when Nguyen Van Bac was admitted to the Graphic Design program at the Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts. Having received systematic training in fine arts, especially traditional art, he gained a deeper understanding of folk painting and decided to pursue this path seriously. Starting with Hang Trong paintings, then expanding to Kim Hoang paintings, he gradually overcame technical difficulties to master the visual language of this ancient art form. Currently, his works are purchased by many domestic and international clients and are displayed in several museums in Hai Phong, Hue, and Da Nang .

According to Nguyen Van Bac, for young artists, painting folk art is not only about preserving tradition but also about infusing it with a contemporary spirit so that the art continues to thrive in today's life. Over the years, he has created many new designs that inherit the essence of ancient paintings while also innovating in form, such as "Tien Thien Tong Tu" (Hang Trong painting), "Mieu Ngu Do," and "Mieu Diep Do" (Kim Hoang painting). Along with that, he boldly uses modern color palettes such as blue and purple with bright shades to appeal to younger audiences. He also incorporates folk motifs into applied products such as fans, lamps, gift boxes, and fashion designs. "When folk art appears in familiar items or in film projects and music videos, people will more easily appreciate the beauty and value of the paintings," Bac shared.

Looking ahead, Nguyen Van Bac said he will continue to create new painting designs, preserving the essence of tradition while meeting the needs and tastes of modern audiences. He hopes that folk paintings will not only be present in museums but also become a familiar part of life today.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/thoi-hon-duong-dai-vao-tranh-dan-gian-1019897