Fabric artist Trần Thanh Thục is pictured at her second solo exhibition, Tôi, Hà Nội Và Sắc Vải (I, Hà Nội and Fabric Colours). VNS Photo Lương Hương

HÀ NỘI — An exhibition displaying Hà Nội-inspired fabric pictures, fruits of 40 years pursuing the original art form of artist Trần Thanh Thục, is being held in Hà Nội.

Tôi, Hà Nội Và Sắc Vải (I, Hà Nội and Fabric Colours) is Thục’s second solo exhibition, after her first Nhịp Xuân (Spring Rhythm) held in 2015.

The 30 pieces showcase the artist’s appraisal, affection and tribute to the capital city which has nurtured and inspired her work.

Depicted in Thục’s pictures are familiar, charming and nostalgic, iconic scenes of Hà Nội such as the Turtle Tower, Ngọc Sơn Temple and One Pillar Pagoda. Others feature a corner in the Old Quarters that any Hanoian could easily recognise.

Depicted in Thục’s pictures are familiar, charming and nostalgic iconic scenes of Hà Nội such as Quan Chưởng Gate. — VNS Photo Lương Hương

“The adventurous idea of a solo exhibition dedicated to Hà Nội suddenly appeared in my mind after many times wandering the city," Thục said. 

"I have spent years alone working in my studio through hot summer and cold winter days to prepare for it. I have joined many group exhibitions and held my first solo one, but the first solo exhibition with the theme about Hà Nội is my dream but also an uneasy challenge.”

To the 62-year-old artist, Hà Nội is where she has the most memories and an endless inspiration for her artworks.

She added: “I was not born and raised in Hà Nội, but it was until my adolescence that I moved to the city from my hometown, Nam Định Province, to learn arts.

"At that time, there was still the sound of trams passing through the silent doorways. I remember so many cold days having ice cream by the Sword Lake with my friends or the days we students of School of Fine Arts quickly setting up the drawing board, sitting on the sidewalk of Old Quarters, rushing to paint in fear that spring rain would wash away the moss on the tiled roofs.

“I often wander through the streets, setting eyes on the second and third floors of typical Hà Nội houses. At that time, I might be quietly singing the songs or whispering the verses that are written about the city that has been so close to my heart. All of this is a source of encouragement, but also a huge pressure every time I create artwork about Hà Nội.”

Fabric artwork entitled Nhịp Sống Phố Cổ (Old Quarter Lifestyle) created by Thục in 2021.

Thục discovered that fabric could also be used as a material for art by chance and has been persistently pursuing her own artistic path for 40 years. She has established a reputation as the only artist in Việt Nam creating large-scale landscape pictures from fabrics, that have been displayed at many exhibitions.

Unlike other materials like oil or gouache paintings, these are created from layers of fabric and have unexpected effects in both colour and layout. Each of Thục’s pieces has been highly appraised and valued for not only its sophisticated materials and creative ideas, but the hours of dedication she puts into each of her pictures.

I, Hà Nội and Fabric Colours exhibition will run until November 24 at the fine arts exhibition house at No. 16 on Ngô Quyền Street in Hà Nội. VNS