HÀ NỘI – As many as 80paintings and sculptures by People’s Artist Vương Duy Biên are being displayed at his latest solo exhibition at the art space at Bốt Tép hamlet in Sóc Sơn district’s Hiền Ninh commune.

Opened to the public since November 17, the exhibition displays artworks made by lacquer, oil on canvas and sculpture. Some of the most compelling include Kéo Cưa Lừa Xẻ (Chanting while sawing wood), Chum Kinh Nghiệm (Jar of Experience), Mãn Nguyện (Satisfaction), Ai Bảo Tôi Không Làm Được (Who told you I can not do it?).

At a press conference held on November 5 in Hà Nội, Biên said although he was busy with administrative work as deputy minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, he has never neglected his passion for fine arts.

“I usually paint on my way to work, sometimes even in meetings. When an idea pops up in my head, I take a note and work on it on weekend,” he said.

Most of his sculptures depict young boys and girls. “Children are my subjects of interest. They reflect my wish to be as innocent, pure and spontaneous as they are. On the other side, through them I can satirise the vanity of life in the adult world today,” said Biên.

The artwork The Sinking Chair is a message on the origin of vanity and the nonsense of ambition and fame. Biên said the sculpture Unlock, with a load of locks arranged in the form of a buffalo flock, is intended to communicate, “If you unlock these objects, you will find freedom and inner peace like those animals”.

In art, Biên ponders the countryside and rural life. Most of his paintings focus on farmers and bucolic scenery. Musician Nguyễn Trọng Tạo, a visitor to Biên’s art space, said Biên’s paintings are never without the image of farmers. “The sense for rural life is strong in Biên’s art. His art space helps him to find more creation and dedication,” Tạo said.

Biên’s private art space is offers visitors a dose of fresh air. Its grand view spreads to Nội Bài National Airport. It is close to Thành Chương Việt Palace, with one of Việt Nam’s top private art collections, the Thánh Gióng Monument and many more cultural destinations in the area.

Biên was born to a family that has been making art for generations. Since the 90’s, when he was a new face in the domestic sculpture scene, he became known as the only sculptor whose work was selected for the final round of the Great King of Hưng Đạo monument design contest in the city of Nam Định.

He has also had many solo silk painting exhibitions held in the capital and other countries like Poland, Japan, France, Germany and mainland China, gaining much appreciation from art experts and admirers.

His exhibition is open free for public. — VNS