Painting the Central Highlands with magnificent lacquer

In the art scene of the Central Highlands, artist Truong Van Linh, Chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association branch in Dak Lak, is known for his many lacquer paintings and has won numerous awards.

Few people know that the artist Truong Van Linh's journey into painting stemmed from a rather unusual story.

Born in Cao Bang , Truong Van Linh was a Tay ethnic minority. Later, he moved with his family to Dak Lak to start a new life. His childhood was spent amidst fields, meadows, streams, and cattle herding.

Recalling a turning point in his life, he recounted: “When I was 14, one afternoon while tending cattle, a loudspeaker suddenly blared from the village hall. I saw a crowd gathered and, out of curiosity, went to see what was happening. A man approached me, handed me a piece of paper and a pencil, and kindly said: 'Try drawing a little to see what your talent is.' I sat down on the steps, my hands still trembling with nervousness. Two hours later, my first drawing—a teapot from my house—appeared on the paper. And surprisingly, I was selected for the art class, which at the time only had six students. The person who encouraged me to draw that day was my teacher, the artist Mo Lo Hiu. He was the one who ignited the flame of painting in me, a flame that still burns brightly today.”

Artist Truong Van Linh.

Although not born in the Central Highlands, Truong Van Linh has spent more than half his life connected to this land, making it deeply ingrained in his being. He confided: "For me, the Central Highlands is not just a subject matter, but a feeling, an epic landscape, a yearning to express through the language of painting…"

Looking at Truong Van Linh's paintings, one can easily see: the sound of cascading waterfalls; the vast fir forests; the roofs of communal houses soaring into the blue sky; the resounding sounds of ding nam and kram gongs by the campfire; tomb statues, ceremonial poles, and even brocade patterns… He carefully selects and incorporates these rich cultural elements into his paintings with a modern artistic vision while still preserving the essence of the Central Highlands.

In particular, the beauty of the Central Highlands is depicted by artist Truong Van Linh using the magnificent medium of lacquer, because, according to him, this is the material that helps him "distill the magnificent light within himself." Linh shared: "I pursue the beauty of light, the pure energy that connects the sky, the earth, and the ocean. I want viewers to feel the movement of nature through light: sometimes soft on the forest canopy, sometimes shimmering under the water, like a pristine breath of the earth and sky."

A prime example of this style of lacquer painting is the work "Afternoon Sun in the Central Highlands" (National Fine Arts Exhibition 2025). According to the artist himself, the painting is a nostalgic visual symphony. Under the golden sunset, the Ede stilt house and the ancient kơ nia tree appear majestic and serene. The horizontal composition of the work opens up a vast space, evoking a sense of permanence and protection. The kơ nia tree in the painting is not inanimate but acts as an underground cultural thread, connecting generations, standing firm between heaven and earth to tell the story of the village.

The artwork "March of the Central Highlands" reached the final round of the 2nd Vietnam Cultural Heritage through Painting Competition, 2025. The elephant imagery in the work is not simply realistic but stylized using geometric language. The elephants appear both as symbols of sacred strength and as metaphors for enduring community memory. The strong, contrasting color combinations between the meticulously crafted eggshell panels and the lacquered background create a majestic rhythm reminiscent of the gongs and drums of a festival.

In the work "Happy Elephants," viewers once again see a vibrant and warm Truong Van Linh. He uses warm colors (brown, orange, yellow), reminiscent of the patterns on the traditional clothing of ethnic minorities; transforming the painting into a joyful piece of music, celebrating the harmony between humans and nature.

"March of the Central Highlands".

Painting:

Truong Van Linh

The journey of sowing seeds and nurturing the soul.

Leaving the easel behind, Truong Van Linh returned to his role as a teacher and educational administrator at the very place that nurtured his dreams. His academic journey is a fulfilling circle: From a student at the Dak Lak High School of Culture and Arts (1988-1994), he continued his studies at Hue University of Arts, earned a master's degree at the Vietnam Fine Arts University, then returned to teaching, and is now the Head of the Fine Arts Department.

“Every artist has a place to belong. For me, that is the Dak Lak College of Culture and Arts,” Linh shared. More than anyone else, he understands the value of “passing on knowledge.” Inspired by the kindness of his teacher, Mr. Mo Lo Hiu, he continues to play the role of sower for the younger generation. He is grateful to his former teachers, his colleagues who have stood by him, and the generations of students who have helped him revitalize the face of the province's art scene.

Having dedicated more than half his life to teaching, Mr. Linh always keeps in mind: "A teacher not only teaches how to draw but also instills in students a love for the craft, character, and passion for it." In every class, every practical session, every conversation with his students, he imparts what he has learned from his teacher, Mr. Mo Lo Hiu, and previous generations of teachers. For artist Truong Van Linh, art is not just technique; art is culture, identity, and a value of life. Art education is not just about teaching a trade; it is a journey of sowing seeds and nurturing the soul.

From Cao Bang to Dak Lak, from a young cowherd to a master's degree holder, painter, and head of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association branch in Dak Lak, Truong Van Linh's journey is like a lacquer painting polished over time, becoming richer with each polishing and revealing greater depth with each viewing.

Truong Nhat Vuong

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202511/ve-tay-nguyen-bang-chat-lieu-son-mai-long-lay-40e1f86/