Inspired by the plight of women in 'The Tale of Kieu' by Nguyen Du, a painting exhibition themed 'Pureness and Preciousness' is taking place at the Madame Lan Restaurant located in Hai Chau District, Da Nang, from December 23 until January 7, 2024.

The exhibition highlights the image of women and Indochina region in the early 20^th century. A total of 35 paintings by 14 famous painters who are teachers and students from the Indochina School of Fine Arts in the 1924-1945 period has been introduced to residents in Da Nang for the first time to mark the school's 100^th birthday.

Painting titled ‘A young lady sitting on the couch’ by painter Jean Vo Lang. Photo: T.Y

Ethereal, graceful and somewhat transcendent are viewers’ first  impressions while admiring the 35 Indochina paintings which are on display at the ongoing exhibition.

Here, the portrayal of Indochinese women, from the impoverished peasantry to the bourgeoisie, by painters of the Indochina School of Fine Arts, now known as the Viet Nam University of Fine Arts, is diverse and distinctive. Notably, among the displayed paintings is the "The Rice Carriers" work by French artist Joseph Inguimberty (1896-1971) who once lectured in the Faculty of Decoration of the Indochina School of Fine Arts.

On oil canvas, artist Joseph Inguimberty depicts three Vietnamese women who wear conical hats and 'Ao Tu Than' (four-flap dress), strolling leisurely with bundles of rice on their shoulders. Despite emanating the joy of harvest season, hints of sorrow subtly emerge on their faces that depicted hardships of the peasant class.

An additional prominent feature of "The Rice Carriers" painting is its gentle and romantic colour palette, showcasing the clear direction of light through Inguimberty’s skillful brushwork.

Recognized by the Vietnamese art community as part of the esteemed quartet of the early Vietnamese fine arts namely ‘The first is Tri, the Second is Van, the Third is Lan, and the Fourth is Can’, the silk painting titled ‘A Young Lady in a Camisole" which was drawn 1937 by artist Nguyen Tuong Lan (1906-1946),  becomes the centerpiece at the ongoing exhibition. The depiction of a young woman in a camisole observing a pig, an animal symbolic of abundance and prosperity in northern folk culture, in her yard, signifies the future aspirations of ancient farmers for a peaceful and satisfied life.

In addition, the exhibition showcases other artworks like "Fairy Bath" in 1930s by artist Le Pho, and "Hair Washing" in 1940 by artist Tran Van Can. Their paintings are believed to resonate with the desire for freedom of women in the early 20^th century.

Mrs. Le Hoang Nam Phuong, the Director of the Phu Sa Art Foundation, the organizer of the exhibition, shared that the event aims to introduce a part of the family's art collection to Da Nang’s residents and tourists.

"After nearly two decades of collecting and conserving, we hope to spread our passion for Vietnamese fine arts to local communities. We hope that this exhibition will provide a new perspective on the culture and arts of Indochina, seen through the eyes of both Vietnamese and foreign artists, ” added Mrs. Phuong.

The "The Rice Carriers" painting by French artist Joseph Inguimberty. Photo: T.Y

Amidst the cozy, antique setting of the Madam Lan Restaurant, 35 artworks are on display in accordance with 5 main clusters along 4 long walls of the restaurant to introduce artworks by teachers and students from the Indochina School of Fine Arts. Included are the dessin group consisting of Nguyen Nam Son, To Ngoc Van, Luong Xuan Nhi), oil painting group consisting of Joseph Inguimberty, Trinh Huu Ngoc, lacquer painting group consisting of Alix Aymé, Pham Hau, and a multi-media group with wood engraving, silk, and oil paintings from Tran Van Can, Nguyen Tuong Lan, Ton That Dao, Hoang Tich Chu.

The collection of paintings by 14 famous artists in the 20^th century, with Western academic techniques combined with Vietnamese materials and themes at the ongoing exhibition, offers a delightful experience for viewers.

Indeed, besides the depiction of Vietnamese women, the artists also romanticized the Vietnamese rural landscape in their paintings.

Mr. Ace Le, the exhibition's curator shared that such an event usually takes place in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City but it has been held in Da Nang for the first time.

By showcasing Indochina paintings in Da Nang for the first time, the Phu Sa Art Foundation aims to bring a breath of fresh air to art lovers in the city, and Central Viet Nam and Central Highlands as a whole.

The difference in perspectives and creative techniques on the same material between Vietnamese and foreign artists is also a special highlight of this exhibition.

Paintings depicting Ba Vi fields seen from Son Tay Mountain by artists Joseph Inguimberty, Jean Vo Lang, and Trinh Huu Ngoc are examples as each of them carry a distinct spirit and approach. This difference adds a unique cultural point in the flow of Indochina arts, and serves as the starting point for modern Vietnamese arts.

Reporting by KY NAM – Translating by THAO TRANG