Artist couple Trần Đình Khương (right) and Đoàn Thuý Hạnh (centre) present lacquer painting 'Trong Vườn' (In the Garden) by Hạnh, a piece whose proceeds from its sale will be donated to support orphaned children in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of the organizer

HCM CITY — A lacquer painting exhibition by Hanoian artist couple Trần Đình Khương and Đoàn Thuý Hạnh has opened in HCM City.

The exhibition entitled "Song Tấu Lạ" (A Strange Duet) held at An Gallery in District 1 features 80 artworks on two distinct themes.

Khương has 31 works exploring the themes of fishes.

He says it is his fondness for the traditional folk portrayal of the carp as a symbol of luck and happiness that made him choose it as subject for his works.

'Thời 4.0' (These Days), an artwork by Trần Đình Khương. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

Hạnh depicts children and flowers that she says are closely intertwined with her childhood memories.

"I love drawing and observing children because they always bring peace to the soul as well as pure love. Then, gradually, I found the same thing in flowers.”

Visitors at the exhibition. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

Trương Thị Hiền, a visitor at the exhibition, said she has long been familiar with the works of the two artists, but is very impressed with their techniques and diversity of genres this time.

Khương's paintings are displayed in a series that tightly weaves together stories through the depiction of the carp turning into dragons, which is closely related to the culture of the Vietnamese.

As for the betta fish theme, it is closely connected with the artists' childhood and upbringing, and illustrates the evolving personality traits in each stage of life.

Hạnh has developed various materials to use in her artworks besides demonstrating excellent colour schemes and techniques.

Both graduated from the Hà Nội University of Industrial Fine Arts in 1995.

Khương was previously a member of the Young Artists Club’s executive committee, and is now a member of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association.

Hạnh is a member of the association’s Female Authors Club.

The exhibition, organised by the Bến Thành Art Gallery, will run through December 8. — VNS