Artist Nguyen Viet Cuong wins 2nd UOB Painting of the Year in Vietnam

The awards ceremony, held in Ho Chi Minh City and livestreamed on UOB Vietnam's Facebook page, was attended by Ma The Anh, Head of the Fine Arts, Photography, and Exhibition Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

As the top winner in the Established Artist Category, Cuong will receive a cash prize of VND500 million (US$20,195) and will represent Vietnam in competing with winning artists from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand for the 2024 UOB Southeast Asian POY award. The winner will be announced on Nov. 13 at an awards ceremony in Singapore.

Victor Ngo, CEO of UOB Vietnam, expressed his excitement at the growing participation from artists and art enthusiasts nationwide. "This year's competition saw a significant increase in both the quantity and quality of submissions," he said. "UOB POY has played a key role in showcasing the immense potential of Vietnamese artists while driving the continued development of Vietnamese visual art. The success we've seen over the past two years motivates us to further elevate the competition for years to come, alongside our community outreach efforts across the region, aimed at building a sustainable and prosperous future for ASEAN."

"Dong Chay - Flow" by artist Nguyen Viet Cuong awarded UOB POY award for the second UOB POY (Vietnam), Established Artist Category. Photo courtesy of UOB

Cuong's Dong Chay (Flow) uses two indigenous materials—coal and rice—to tell the story of Vietnam's natural resources. Cuong processed and crushed the coal into gravel before sifting and sprinkling it across the canvas. The rice, ground into flour and mixed with adhesive, was funneled into flowing shapes over the black coal. The resulting artwork is a poetic contrast of black and white, evoking the beauty of stalactites found in Vietnam's caves.

Cuong explained that the Quang Ninh coal represents the industrial minerals of the Red River Delta in the north, while the rice symbolizes the agricultural richness of the Mekong Delta in the south. The artwork reflects his personal connection as a native of rural southern Vietnam, drawing from his experiences with both industrial and agricultural life. Unlike traditional ink wash paintings, which are often light and delicate, Cuong's piece leverages the physical weight of coal and rice to convey a deeper message.

"I hope my work inspires viewers to reflect on the profound impact of wet-rice agriculture and heavy industries on the environment and cultural traditions," Cuong said.

Artist Dang Xuan Hoa, Chief Judge of the second UOB POY in Vietnam, praised the uniqueness of Cuong's piece. "This year's winning artwork stands out for its choice of materials and innovative expression. The use of black coal and white rice—both natural elements—embodies the vitality and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The artist's mastery of these mediums, along with his emotional depth, makes this work deserving of the top prize," Hoa commented.

Doraeco by artist Phan Tu Tran, 2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Vietnam), Emerging Artist Category. Photo courtesy of UOB

In the Emerging Artist Category, Phan Tu Tran won the 2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Vietnam) award for her artwork "Doraeco." The piece features six playing cards laid out on a casino table, each symbolizing different aspects of ecological pollution: Earth (Jack of Diamonds), Water (Queen of Hearts), Air (King of Spades), and Energy (Queen of Clubs). The Joker card, featuring a confused Doraemon, represents the tension between technological progress and environmental degradation. The final card, yet to be revealed, symbolizes an uncertain future for the next generation.

Tran, surprised and honored by the award, said, "This recognition motivates me to continue my artistic journey. Through 'Doraeco', I hope to raise awareness about environmental preservation and encourage a green, sustainable future." With the support of the UOB POY platform, she aims to amplify her message to a broader audience.

The winning artworks from both the Established and Emerging Artist Categories are on display at the HCMC Museum, open to the public with free admission from Oct. 5-20, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Launched in 1982 in Singapore, the UOB POY competition is now one of Southeast Asia's most recognized art competitions. It provides artists a platform to showcase their work to a regional audience. Expanding to Vietnam last year, the competition reflects UOB's long-term commitment to supporting art and artists across the region.