An oil painting by female artist Bạch Lan at the exhibition called Đẹp (Beauty), which opened in HCM City this week. Photo courtesy of the artist.

HCM CITY – Art enthusiasts will have a chance to contrast the work of two female artists in HCM City this week to celebrate Valentine's Day.  

At the event Filtered in District 1, Australian artist Helena Elias displays 14 portraits in oil paintings. Her works feature female faces who represent the artist’s view of the beauty of women in a modern society. She makes use of mobile applications while painting to impart a contemporary touch. 

Through her art in oil and photography, she impresses young people who often find inspiration through posing and uploading on Facebook and Instagram.

She uses red, pink and yellow to create simple works that are different in detail and meaning. 

Unlike Elias, Vietnamese artist Bạch Lan uses only oil to express her deep feelings about women and love. Her 20 paintings in vivid colours highlight women in different states of emotion. Some of her works in black tell stories of women who have faced many challenges and experiences in life.

Her show, Đẹp (Beauty), runs until February 18 from 9am to 6pm every day at 218A Pasteur Street, District 3.  Elias’ event, Filtered, will close on February 20 at 62 Trần Hưng Đạo Street. – VNS