Painting "Ghost" by French-Vietnamese artist Đào Văn Hoàng depicting spindlehorns in their natural habitat. – Photos courtesy of the organisers

HCM CITY – Over 160 paintings of wild animals and nature done by French-Vietnamese artist Đào Văn Hoàng are on show at his first solo exhibition at the HCM City Fine Arts Association in the city’s District 3.

"Wildlife - The Natural Through an Artist's Eyes" features realistic acrylic paintings on canvas and watercolors on paper depicting animals Hoàng observed during his decades-long wildlife conservation trips in Việt Nam and worldwide.

The exhibition also showcases his field notebooks with sketches of flora and fauna drawn in the wild.

The exhibition is meant to encourage visitors to reflect on conservation.

Some of the works included "Threat" (great hornbill and wreathed hornbird), "Royal" (tiger) and "Chase party" (yellow-throated marten).

Visitors admire Đào Văn Hoàng’s artworks at his first solo exhibition at the HCM City Fine Arts Association in District 3 on June 17. – VNS Photo Hồng Linh

Nguyễn Ngọc Khánh Linh, a visitor from Thủ Đức Ward, said she was amazed by the paintings, especially the one named "Ghost," which depicts spindlehorns, an animal almost extinct in the wild and beautifully and vividly portrayed by Hoàng.

The exhibition runs until July 19th and includes a series of accompanying events like workshops and dialogues with the artist.

Artist Đào Văn Hoàng (left) takes pictures with visitors at his first solo exhibition at the HCM City Fine Arts Association in District 3 on June 17. – VNS Photo Hồng Linh

Hoàng's passion for wild animals bloomed in his youth, but it wasn't until 2013 that he decided to set aside his advertising career to pursue wildlife painting.

He spent years studying anatomy, perspective and scientific illustration, and also went on field trips to observe and understand the specific behaviors and habitats of each species.

So his his paintings are anatomically precise and accurately reflect the behavioral characteristics of each creature in its natural habitat.

His main goal is to raise awareness and love for wild animals, notably lesser-known ones, and promote the conservation effort worldwide.

He has also created illustrations, murals and concept designs for interpretation centers, national parks and public spaces throughout Việt Nam, contributing to educational programmes that teach children about nature and the environment.

His paintings have been exhibited worldwide at various science and conservation events, including the International Primatological Society in 2014, the European Federation for Primatology in 2015, the IPS-ASP Joint Conference in 2016, and the International Bat Research Conference in Thailand in 2019. – VNS