The land of Đoài is full of diverse colors and shades.

Stepping into the exhibition space and admiring the artworks lining both walls, viewers feel as if they are strolling through the rustic yet charming land of Son Tay. The exhibition, "The Eyes of the People of Son Tay," is more than just a title; it represents the perspective of artists deeply connected to and loving their homeland of Son Tay. Through this connection, they pour their souls into each artwork.

Each artwork is a piece of memory, a unique perspective on people, nature, and the rhythm of life in the homeland. Visitors can admire the summer in Son Tay through the lacquer painting "Summer Scent 2" by Nguyen Duy Dung. With a large size of 90x120cm, the skillfully applied layers of lacquer create a shimmering effect on each lotus petal, allowing viewers to clearly feel the vibrant rhythm and overflowing vitality of summer through the lotus flower, which "Son Tay people love even in their sleep." Through this, visitors can see the mindset of today's young people in Son Tay: fresh, optimistic, still preserving the spirit of their homeland while constantly reinventing themselves.

The exhibition "The Eyes of the People of Son Tay" attracted a large number of visitors.

In contrast to the vibrant energy of summer, artist Dinh Hong Quan transports visitors to a tranquil autumn scene with his work "Autumn Afternoon in Xu Doai." This 40x50cm oil painting evokes the serenity of Son Tay in autumn, bathed in a soft golden light on misty hillsides. The artist's subtle handling of light makes viewers feel as if they are standing before an ancient village gate, listening to the church bells chime in the late afternoon. In warm tones, the painting awakens nostalgia, tranquility, and the ancient soul of a land steeped in Vietnamese poetry and music.

On a journey exploring Son Tay, the artwork "Thung Mountain" by artist Nong Thi Thu Trang leads viewers to admire the majestic and mystical beauty of the mountainous landscape. Against a backdrop of lacquer, red lacquer, gold, and black blend together, creating a mystical depth that seems to touch the spiritual realm. The mountain appears majestic yet tranquil, symbolizing the enduring nature and longevity of Mother Earth.

With the majestic mountain scenery of his homeland, artist Hoang Khanh Du has spread a spirit of pride and heroism through his silk painting "Landscape Painting," measuring 80x160cm. The open composition and the soft brushstrokes characteristic of silk painting make the country's mountains and rivers appear as if in the early morning mist, both familiar and magnificent. This is not just a landscape, but the artist's heartfelt devotion to the beautiful land, a love for the homeland expressed through the refined and profound language of painting.

The young people enthusiastically discussed the artworks.

Nguyen Hoang Minh (born in 2004, a student at the Vietnam Fine Arts University) shared: “The way the artists utilize lacquer or oil paint is very subtle, combining traditional and contemporary elements. I learned a lot from their spatial composition and lighting techniques. In particular, the painting "Landscape" made me feel like I was gazing at the landscape through the eyes of an artist, soft yet full of pride.”

Beyond nature, visitors can also gain insight into the people of the Đoài region through Nguyễn Đức Dương's artwork, "Releasing Animals." This large-scale lacquer painting, measuring 120x180cm, is imbued with profound philosophical and humanistic meaning. The image of releasing animals evokes reflections on freedom, compassion, and spiritual liberation. The artist uses contrast between light and shadow to highlight the benevolent spirit and harmony between humanity and nature. The painting is both symbolic and deeply meditative, prompting viewers to pause and contemplate.

Marie Dupont, a French tourist, shared: “I don’t fully understand the lacquer painting technique, but standing before the painting ‘Releasing Animals,’ I felt deeply moved. The colors, the light, and the stillness in the painting made me think of the Eastern philosophy of harmony between humans and nature.”

Where art expresses the love for one's homeland.

The exhibition "The Eyes of Son Tay People" serves as a declaration from artists who are creating a unique identity for the art of the Doai region. Each artwork carries a part of the land, the people, and the history of Son Tay, embodying the simplicity, depth, and resilience of this land. Painter Le The Anh commented: "The artists are preserving and contributing to the creation of unique values ​​within the flow of painting in general. Remembering Son Tay means remembering the people, the souls, and the unmistakable artistic personalities. These are the 'eyes' of painting, of love for the ancient citadel of Son Tay."

The group of artists from Son Tay at the exhibition.

The exhibition's highlight lies in its diverse expressive languages. Lacquer paintings evoke traditional depth, transporting viewers back to the tranquility and cultural symbolism of Vietnam. Oil paintings are closer to contemporary life, while silk paintings offer a soft, dreamy feel, like the gentle breeze of the Đoài region. Sculpture opens up three-dimensional space, affirming the artists' ability to think and create forms. All these elements blend together, creating a visual symphony where tradition and modernity coexist, complementing each other rather than opposing each other.

Art critic and painter Le Thu Huyen commented: “From traditional color palettes to contemporary expressions, the exhibition affirms that Vietnamese art, regardless of region, is undergoing vigorous development, embodying a humanistic spirit and enduring cultural vitality. On a broader level, this is a meeting of creative personalities, where each artwork is a ‘pair of eyes’ together creating a shared picture of the Vietnamese spirit in the modern era, simultaneously preserving and innovating; both nostalgic and pioneering.”  

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/van-hoc-nghe-thuat/xu-doai-va-doi-mat-nguoi-son-tay-1011582