A painting of Bùi Xuân Phái by Văn Dương Thành is on display at an exhibition to celebrate his 100th anniversary.

HÀ NỘI Fine art lovers have a chance to see the works of prominent painter Bùi Xuân Phái and corners of Hà Nội’s Old Quarter in an exhibition in the capital city.

Artist Văn Dương Thành and her students have launched the exhibit of 100 paintings at the Việt Nam National Fine Art Museum to mark what would have been the late Phái’s 100th birthday.

Their works show Phái from artists’ points of view. They will also see his beloved house in Thuốc Bắc Street where he was born as well as familiar corners in the Old Quarter such as Ô Quan Chưởng Gate, Phất Lộc Alley and the Turtle Tower in Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Artists also guided people throughout Hà Nội, admiring the city’s famous destinations such as the Temple of Literature, Trấn Quốc Pagoda and the Quán Thánh Temple, and showing beauty of the city’s landscape.

“Phái made a strong influence on my style. His thoughts lifted me up and played a key role in my career,” said Thành, who has had paintings exhibited in 15 international museums.

Thành was well known as a favourite model in Phái’s career as he painted more than 300 pictures of her during their 21-year relationship.

She has transmitted her love to her students who she said had no idea about the great painter but saw that Phái’s portraits were beautiful and soulful.

Trần Khánh Linh (left) has her first time exhibited her paintings on Bùi Xuân Phái at the National Fine Arts Museum. Photo of Trang Trịnh

“My young generation has no chance to meet Phái. So to paint his portraits I have to read references and documents to know him,” said Trần Khánh Linh.

“The more I read about him, the more I admire and try to draw him perfectly. Phái lived in the period of difficulties and his life was not easy too but I found peace in his works and his love for painting and Hà Nội was always strong and inspiring,” said Linh, the top ice-skating athlete of Việt Nam.

Apart from the exhibition, the artists held a painting workshop for children with autism and disabilities on Monday at the museum.

“They are underprivileged students and face with many difficulties in life. I hope that my contribution will help them know about drawing and make their first touch with fine arts,” said Linh.

Phái (1920-1988) is considered one of the most important Vietnamese painters of the 20th century, who immortalised the corners of the capital’s Old Quarter. He significantly influenced the development of art in Việt Nam.

An annual award honouring the contributions of individuals and organisations to society, culture and the arts in Hà Nội has been named Bùi Xuân Phái since 2008.

The exhibition will open till December 21. VNS