Hoa Trời painting is one of two largest in the exhibition, at 120cm by 240cm. Photos of Đào Anh Khánh

HÀ NỘI — The exhibition Vũ Trụ Hứng 1 (Universe Receives 1) presents the most recent paintings by artist Đào Anh Khánh at Lunet Art Gallery in Hà Nội. 

Most of the thirty-five large paintings are surreal art made in 2023, a few were completed three years ago. The paintings feature bright and fresh colours, and the two largest, Hoa Trời (Sky Flower) and Thung Lũng Tình Yêu (Valley of Love), are 120cm by 240cm.

Khánh painted Sky Flower in the pandemic period depicting young half naked women playing music and dancing around a big blue flower. 

"This painting is meaningful to me," said Khánh. "When I drew it I felt lonely and very sad. This painting is romantic and fresh, helping me be more confident.

"Life is full of ups and downs; Sky Flower will be a flame keeping my passion burning and I don't intend to sell it."

Sky Flower is one of the paintings made in the pandemic period where Khánh was alone in his Gầm Trời Valley. He has invested in the valley for 10 years. He sets up art spaces and sculptures here, but always respects nature. He has the opinion that art and nature should be in harmony.

Trái Đất Thiêng (Sacred Earth) by Đào Anh Khánh.

Vũ Trụ Hứng 1 is the first part from a series of exhibitions by Khánh in the next years. The series will comprise four parts which have been created at Gầm Trời in Lương Sơn, the northern province of Hòa Bình. 

The series of exhibitions all have the theme of universe, but the artist will have different stories and ways of expression in each exhibition.

In Vũ Trụ Hứng 1 exhibition, Khánh explores the miraculous beauty of the universe symbolised by little floral elements such as grass, flower or leaf. This beauty has the nature of law and existence to create and maintain the universe, according to the artist. 

Khánh's paintings always include the image of people because they are the centre of the universe, said Khánh.

Khán is internationally recognised for breaking away from traditional, stylistic and political constraints. 

His mind knows no limits, escaping to the outer reaches of the universe in search of tranquillity, and finding explosions of renewed personal energy on the way.

Born in 1959 in Hà Nội, Khánh graduated from Hà Nội Police Academy and Hà Nội University of Industrial Fine Arts. He is one of the most popular contemporary artists in Việt Nam with his works of sculpture, painting and performing art constantly pushing the boundaries for artistic creativity.

His annual art show, Đáo Xuân (Spring Arrival), held following the Lunar New Year since 2003, has become one of the most anticipated art events for both Vietnamese and international art lovers. 

Vũ Trụ Hứng 1 runs until December 12 at 63-65 Hoàng Diệu Street. — VNS