Painter Do Son returns with solo exhibition at Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
The exhibition is an opportunity for the public to admire a special artistic journey, marking more than half a century of holding a brush of the artist.
THE HANOI TIMES — Painter Do Son is hosting a solo exhibition at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, marking his fifth event and his return to the public after 17 years since his last show in 2008.
Born in 1943, Do Son has dedicated his life to painting. Eight of his works are part of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum’s collection, while others belong to organizations and collectors in 26 countries and territories, including the Singapore Art Museum, the Royal Family of Morocco and the art collection of Mobil Company (US).
A corner of Do Son's exhibition at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Photos courtesy of the artist
The exhibition displays 92 paintings and sketches in diverse materials, reflecting the artist’s major contributions to Vietnam’s fine arts since the early 1980s, especially during the Doi Moi (renewal) period.
Each work marks a stage in his artistic journey. Among them, the oil painting Sea Flowers shows his inspiration from the sea and islands and his inner lyricism.
The painting won the Gold Medal at the 1984 National Fine Arts Exhibition on the Armed Forces theme and the State Prize (Phase IV, 2016). It is now part of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum’s collection.
Oil painting Sea Flowers, 1980. Now it's in the collection of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
Although well-known for his war and army themes, Do Son’s paintings of women and daily life reveal a gentle, poetic and contemplative world. These works allow viewers to feel the beauty of stillness, everyday life and the artist’s emotions.
The artist said that he has recently focused on painting freely as a form of practice and passion. Through this exhibition, he hopes to honor the beauty of life, women and the landscapes he has explored.
He added that the creative energy of Western painters he admired helped him develop bolder brushwork and a youthful, vibrant use of color that remains balanced and refined.
Besides landscapes and soldiers, Do Son is also recognized for his nude paintings.
“I don’t paint vulgar images,” he said. “For me, women’s beauty lies in softness, sincerity and simplicity, not in photographic perfection. Painting must express emotion and artistic beauty.”
He believes that true art comes from a pure heart and that audiences will recognize and respect it.
Painter Do Son and visitors at the exhibition.
Painter Le Anh Van, former Principal of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, said Do Son’s paintings express purity, innocence and vitality.
“His works show a soul that loves life. The colors and figures carry both innocence and depth. Some compare them to children’s paintings, but achieving that level of artistic innocence is of great value,” he said.
“Do Son still paints with youthful energy, which is rare for an artist with such a long career,” Van added.
The artist noted that Do Son skillfully controls visual language and color balance, giving his paintings both freedom and strong artistic structure.
The exhibition is open until October 9 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi.
Oil painting Mother's Heart created in 1994, part of the collection of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
