COFFEE ART: Bên Bụi Cỏ (Next to a bunch of grass), painted with coffee colour by Nguyễn Nghĩa Phương

HÀ NỘI Featuring a stunning collection of paintings crafted with natural colors and traditional materials, the Fine Arts College Spring Exhibition showcases the exceptional talent of 37 esteemed teachers from the renowned Việt Nam University of Fine Arts.

The "Spring 2023" exhibition is a melting pot of artistic expression, fostering a collaborative environment where artists can learn from one another and exchange ideas.

The main themes of this year's exhibition are Peach Blossoms and cats for the Year of the Cat, a season of renewal and fresh beginnings. In addition to conventional materials, some artwork uses unique materials such as Dó (poonah) paper and natural painting colours like coffee and beetroot.

Trần Hoàng Sơn, Vice Head of the Faculty of Fine Arts, who created Mây Trắng (White Clouds) and Chiều Đỏ (Red Afternoon), said that poonah paper is significantly more durable than other types of paper.

Colours drawn on this type of paper can be preserved for extended periods. However, since poonah paper is fragile, not anyone can draw on it. Only an experienced artist could make use of this traditional paper.

Buddhism mainly inspires Sơn's work with random subjects that might seem odd at first glance. He said that his artwork has no concrete meaning. He draws what he feels like and lets the audience interpret it as they will.

His paintings have been exhibited in the US, Germany, Sweden, England, Hong Kong (China), and the Việt Nam National Museum of Fine Arts.

Another artist featured in the exhibition, Chu Anh Phương, who has 30 years of teaching experience at the Việt Nam Fine Art University, said: "All artists have their distinct styles. Some follow abstract, vague styles. Some, like me, prefer drawing normal, day-to-day activities and nature."

Phương's painting entitled "Cấy Xuân" (Spring Seedling) was inspired by a visit to his countryside in Bắc Giang. He stumbled upon a stunning sight of the little lilac flowers of the chinaberry trees in full bloom. The picturesque scene fully captured his heart and reminded him of a poem by Nguyễn Bính.

Some typical works in the exhibition include "Chiều Đỏ" (Red Afternoon), "Mây Trắng" (White Clouds) by Trần Hoàng Sơn, "Bên Bụi Cỏ" (Next to a Bunch of Grass) by Nguyễn Nghĩa Phương, and "Lộc Xuân" (Spring Buds) by Mai Xuân Oanh. In addition, the art gallery also features some bronze and ceramic sculptures, such as "Gió Mát" (Cool Breeze) by Nguyễn Nghĩa Phương.

The exhibition will be held until March 9 at the Art Space venue located at 42 Yết Kiêu Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội. VNS