Exhibition of female artists from North, Central, and South Vietnam: A tapestry of narrative colors.

(GLO) - Many people often liken the artistic work of painters to a playful stroll with colors. But looking at nearly 50 works at the exhibition of female painters from North, Central, and South Vietnam, one realizes that it is a self-reflective game that cannot be complete and perfect without putting in the effort and dedication to see it through to the end.

With the theme "Returning to the Red Soil Region," the exhibition of female artists from North, Central, and South Vietnam welcomes visitors from October 20th to November 10th at the Pleiku Museum. The participation of 30 artists has conveyed many emotions to the viewers.

Meritorious Artist Dang Cong Hung - Chairman of the Gia Lai Literature and Arts Association - presents flowers to female painters representing the three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam participating in the exhibition. Photo: Phuong Duyen

"Carrying colors all over the world"

It's astonishing to learn that the oldest female artist on display at this year's exhibition is just 90 years old. That artist is Nguyen Thi Tam, former Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Women Artists Club and former Vice President of the International Union of Women Artists (INWAA - Vietnam). With 70 years of experience, she has held over 30 solo exhibitions both domestically and internationally.

The artwork "Whispering to the Moon Goddess" by artist Nguyen Thi Tam.

This exhibition features two paintings recently completed by the veteran artist in 2025. The work "When the Flowers Bloom" immediately captivated viewers with its depiction of the vibrant greenery surrounding the ancient Ha Bau church—an ancient religious structure located near the foot of the Chu Dang Ya volcano (Gia Lai).

Meanwhile, with its vibrant brushstrokes and elegant use of color, the painting "Whispering to the Moon Goddess" highlights the pristine beauty of the lotus and the moon in a whispered conversation amidst a dreamy night.

Unfortunately, artist Nguyen Thi Tam was unable to attend the exhibition due to health reasons. In an enthusiastic phone conversation, she emphasized that painting is her only purpose in life: “I only know how to serve painting in the truest sense of a human being. Because painting speaks my heart very quietly, expressing the feelings of each person towards their homeland.”

Describing herself as someone "with a load of colors who wants to travel the world to scatter them everywhere, to satisfy her passion for art," painter Nguyen Thi Tam says she loves her homeland, from its landscapes and colors to its flowers and fruits... She pours everything that is dearest and most beautiful into her paintings.

Artist Bui Mai Hien interacts with students visiting the exhibition. Photo: Phuong Duyen.

Artist Bui Mai Hien ( Hanoi ), a prominent figure in contemporary Vietnamese art, earned applause from the delegates attending the exhibition's opening when she shared her passion for painting with an inexplicable love.

She asserted: "Art is the most faithful lover. When we suffer, we paint. When we are happy, we paint. Even when we are 90 years old, that lover will still be by our side. This is my own conclusion: Art takes all suffering out of life."

I want to convey a message to young artists: let's keep the flame of passion for art burning, overcome difficulties, and surpass ourselves to bring outstanding works to the public."

Unable to hide his excitement at being able to stand alongside female artists for the first time in such a meaningful setting, young artist Nguyen Nguyen But (Gia Lai) expressed: “Being encouraged and supported by exhibitions like this makes me incredibly happy. This is a rare opportunity that helps us learn and grow.”

Art that touches the heart

The exhibition, featuring only female artists and coinciding with the October 20th Women's Day, exudes a feminine charm that permeates the space and is vibrant in each artwork. It's delightful to admire the youthful spirit in paintings such as: Seagulls (Cao Thi Duoc), Garden of the Heart (Nguyen Anh Dao), H'Thy (Le Thi Kim Thuy), Spring Dream (Nguyen Thu Van), Simple Things (Le Nguyen Thao My), Silence (Mai Thi Kim Uyen)...

Even in works painted by female artists to "welcome" the Year of the Horse 2026, the zodiac animal of the year is always accompanied by the grace of women. These include the paintings "Year of the Horse" (Cao Thi Duoc), "Summer Night" (Dang Thi Duong), etc.

And of course, as the exhibition's theme suggests, the red soil plateau has been captured in paintings in the most enchanting way possible, such as "Beside the Kon Nak Stream" (Ho Thi Xuan Thu), "Chu Dang Ya in the Cold Wind" (Pham Thi Thu Ha), "Plateau in Flower Season 1 & 2" (Hoang Duyen), "Forgotten" (Le Thi Thanh), "Whispering Plateau" (Nguyen Nguyen But), "Motherly Love" (Ho Thi My Hanh)...

Still life, Vietnamese identity, or Zen philosophy are also vividly conveyed by female artists from all three regions with works such as "Sowing Seeds" (Nguyen Thi Lan Huong), "Wild Banana Flowers" (Nguyen Thi Hoa), "Water Puppets" (Tran Thi Cai), "Threefold Fire" (Trang Thanh Hien)...

The artwork "Beside the Kon Nak Stream" by artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu.

Attending the exhibition, writer Thu Loan, former Vice President of the Gia Lai Literature and Arts Association, shared her respect and admiration, saying, "Women have to work harder and make more sacrifices when creating art because their roles as mothers and wives almost completely occupy their time."

She said, "The journey of female artists is still long. Along that not-so-easy path, I believe that many more works of art will continue to be created, continuing to touch the hearts of many people."

From Quy Nhon, sculptor Le Trong Nghia, Chairman of the Gia Lai Fine Arts Association, also came to celebrate with the female artists.

“The effort to connect artists from all three regions of Vietnam has created momentum, igniting in female artists a love for painting and a desire to reach further. The works displayed at the exhibition have shown the meticulous investment, perseverance, and immense love for art of female artists nationwide. This is also a source of inspiration, and even… a reminder to male artists in the region about the importance of creative work,” Mr. Nghia commented.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/trien-lam-nu-hoa-si-bac-trung-nam-sac-mau-tu-su-post570291.html