From traditional to modern

Young visitors to “Dialog with Hang Trong Folk Painting” exhibition. Photo: Temple of Literature

Alongside 29 Hang Trong folk paintings on Do (poonah) paper, owned by collector Nguyen Quang Trung, the event features 38 artworks by 22 young artists, which are inspired by the former and painted on silk or Do paper, in oils or lacquer.

Displayed in the front hall of the Imperial Academy, they create a harmonious blend that excites visitors: an interesting conversation between tradition and tradition, as well as tradition and modernity, with Hang Trong paintings as the centerpiece.

Hang Trong folk paintings often depict outstanding features of the cultural and religious life of the Vietnamese people, while the works of the new generation are improvised variations that still exude a distinct Hang Trong aura.

Among the young painters, Doan Thi Hong Duong has recreated the familiar Hang Trong pair of Vinh Hoa and Phu Quy, or High Position and Great Wealth, on two layers of transparent silk for greater depth. Notably, the words ‘Vinh Hoa’ and ‘Phu Quy’ were hand-embroidered to reflect the combination of Vietnamese folk painting and traditional embroidery.

Similarly, Hoang Thi Viet Huong brought typical details in Hang Trong worship paintings on silk, creating a set of works on three out of the 36 trance-ritual gods: Cau Be Doi Ngang or Little Boy of Doi Ngang, Co Be Thac Bo or Little Girl of Thac Bo and Co Chin or The 9th Lady.

Art paintings titled "Can 2" inspired by Hang Trong folk painting and Mother Goddess worship by Hoang Thi Viet Huong

Drawing on detailed depictions of peacocks in the Hang Trong genre, Trieu Minh Hang used gold and silver brushstrokes and elaborate coating techniques in lacquer art to produce the work Phuong Vu or Phoenix Dance, featuring two phoenixes gracefully dancing in a circle as a symbol of the yin-yang harmony.

Meanwhile, Pham Thuy Tien transformed the folk painting of two princesses Quynh Hoa and Que Hoa - the saints who attend the Mother Goddess of Nine Heavens - into a composite paper collage called Ha Pham or Descending on Earth.

Gaining inspiration from the art piece Bach Ho or White Tiger, artist Trieu Khac Tien embraced abstract expressionism in the lacquer painting Gai Nam Dan (Tiger Year Girls), which depicts the brave, energetic yet still feminine women that are born in the year of the Tiger.

An endless source for inspiration

For nearly a decade, Hang Trong folk painting has been a great source of inspiration for students at the Hanoi University of Fine Arts. Painter Nguyen The Son, exhibition curator and teacher who guides the young artists through the From Tradition to Tradition project, said they have tried to explore the artistic values of the Hang Trong folk painting heritage in particular and other Vietnamese cultural traditions thanks to numerous editions of exhibitions over the past three years.

"The project has encouraged young artists’ individual creativity through researching and learning the traditional knowledge and techniques of Hang Trong folk painting," he stated.

The lacquer painting Gai Nam Dan (Tiger Year Girls) by Trieu Khac Tien

Study sessions, with artisan Le Dinh Nghien sharing his techniques and love for the art, and the field trips to the Fine Arts Museum and communal houses have opened up creative ideas for visualization, from traditional painting materials such as silk, Do paper, lacquer or oil paint to new forms of expression such as digital graphics, design and arrangement.

“The spaces for the exhibitions, brimming with traditional features, such as the Nam Huong Communal House, the former Cantonese Assembly Hall, or the front hall of the Imperial Academy at the Temple of Literature, are also a great source of inspiration for teachers and students. This is what makes a difference, enhancing the appeal of each exhibition in a new space and context,” Nghiem said.

Launched in 2020, the From Tradition to Tradition project features seven exhibitions in heritage-related venues, starting with From Tradition to Tradition at the Nam Huong Communal House at 75 Hang Trong Street. It will be followed by Hang Trong Paintings for Tet (2021), Tiger Roaming the Street (2022) and Fairyland Exposition (2022) at the Arts and Cultural Center at 22 Hang Buom Street.

The painting titled "Toi di hoc" or "I Go to School" by Tran Thi Ho

At present, craftsman Le Dinh Nghien is the last remaining Hang Trong folk painter. Continuing the family craft for the past 60 years, he seems to be the only one who knows and can perform every step of making a Hang Trong folk painting.

In recent years, the artist has passed on his passion and trade secrets to his son, Le Hoan. With the enthusiastic participation of young artists, Hang Trong folk painting can hopefully lead a more active life in the course of contemporary art.

The Hang Trong folk painting called "Luong nghi sinh tu tuong" or "Dualism Gives Birth to Four Statues" shows the diversity and many aspects of things in Eastern wisdom.

A Hang Trong folk painting- the "Phuc loc song toan" (Happiness and Fortune)

At present, craftsman Le Dinh Nghien is the last remaining Hang Trong folk painter. Continuing the family craft for the past 60 years, he seems to be the only one who knows and can perform every step of making a Hang Trong folk painting.

In recent years, the artist has passed on his passion and trade secrets to his son, Le Hoan. With the enthusiastic participation of young artists, Hang Trong folk painting can hopefully lead a more active life in the course of contemporary art. 

The Hang Trong folk painting called "Luong nghi sinh tu tuong" or "Dualism Gives Birth to Four Statues" shows the diversity and many aspects of things in Eastern wisdom.

Jenna Duong