Oil paintings capture Saigon's urban vitality

By Mai Nhat October 28, 2022 | 05:15 pm PT

Pham Luan's paintings of young people hanging out outside Landmark 81, on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, and other locations in Saigon portray the vivid and energetic scenes of everyday urbanity.

The event, titled Tictac Saigon, is Pham Luans first exhibition about Ho Chi Minh City, taking place from October 24 to 31, at 159 Dong Khoi, District 1. Nearly 30 oil paintings depicting famous destinations of the city, such as Central Post Office, Bach Dang Wharf, Dong Khoi Street - Nguyen Hue. The artists works are also printed by Ben Thanh Art Gallery in a separate publication launched at the exhibition.

Pham Luan's first exhibition about Ho Chi Minh City, "Tictac Saigon", features 30 oil paintings of Saigon's iconic landmarks like the Central Post Office and Bach Dang Wharf. The event takes place between Oct. 24 -31 at 159 Dong Khoi Street in HCMC's District 1.

A scene of a group of young people skating on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. The artist said he wanted to capture the new vitality of the city after nearly two years of being affected by the pandemic. Initially, he planned to name the exhibition Rhythm, then some members of the team suggested the name Tictac Saigon to emphasize the momentary beauty of the city.

Young folks skate along downtown Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. The artist said he wishes to show the city's new vigor after nearly two years of being ravaged by the pandemic. Initially, he intended to name the exhibition "Rhythm" but other team members offered the term "Tictac Saigon" to underline the city's vibrant and dynamic energy.

A group of young people dancing hip-hop by the Saigon River. Pham Luan started painting the first paintings in the collection in 2021, his days at home in Hanoi. After the distance was over, he flew to Ho Chi Minh City many times to find more inspiration.

A group of people dance by Saigon River. Pham Luan started painting this collection in 2021 in Hanoi. After social distancing ended, he flew to HCMC many times to find more inspiration.

There were days when he sat for hours at the park on April 30, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral... watching groups of young people gather to dance, take pictures and feel the vitality of the city. For me, its a young, dynamic Saigon, always expanding and absorbing new art trends, said the artist.

There were times when he would spend hours observing young people at the park, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and other popular hangouts. The artist described Saigon as "a young and dynamic city."

Artists use colors and shapes to depict the movement of the subject in the painting. To him, those energetic movements are the link between peoples emotions and urban culture.

The artist uses various colors and shapes to depict the movement of the subject in his paintings. To him, those energetic movements are the link between people's emotions and urban culture.

The scene of a group of young people in front of the Continental - one of the oldest hotels in Saigon, is drawn from the corner of the stairs of the Opera House.

A group of motorbike enthusiasts in front of the Continental, one of the oldest hotels in Saigon.

Young people gather for windsurfing, walking in front of fountains on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street.

Young people gather to skate and walk in front of fountains along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street.

The Landmark 81 building - the new symbol of Ho Chi Minh City - reflects on the Saigon River

Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam, casts its shadow across Saigon River.

Bach Dang Wharf - a favorite gathering place for people in District 1. The exhibition also marks 50 years of Pham Luans career, since 1972 - the first time he held a brush when he entered the army.

A painting of Bach Dang Wharf, a favorite gathering place for people in District 1. The exhibition also marks 50 years of Pham Luan's career.

A corner of Notre Dame Cathedral after the afternoon rain.

At the age of nearly 70, Pham Luan faced many health problems with rheumatism. In recent years, the doctor did not allow him to stand, forcing him to sit while drawing. Every time he went to Ho Chi Minh City for work, he had to bring painkillers. Every time he paints large-format paintings, he needs to stand, he suppresses pain to compose. The artist said: However, the pain is relieved every time I complete the works I like.

At the age of nearly 70, Pham Luan faced many health problems, including rheumatism. "But the pain is soothed every time I complete artworks I enjoy," he remarked.

Photo courtesy of Ben Thanh Art