British artist draws attention to HCMC panorama in minute detail

By Quynh Tran   December 16, 2021 | 05:34 am PT
Seven large-scale detailed sketches of panoramic views of HCMC from high-rise buildings by expat Richie Fawcett are on display in front of British Consulate General’s office.
The Megacity Panorama Exhibition took place on Nov. 21 outside of the British Consulate General in District 1, featuring seven large-scale paintings depicting bird-eye views of the city.

In the three weeks that the sketches have been on display in District 1, they have drawn admiring attention from city residents.

The artist revises his works before hanging on the wall.This project is part of Fawcetts Preserving the memory of the city through sketches program, documenting the changes in HCMC in more than 10 years of his time living here.The artist said he spent many years observing the scenery of the city and recording it using ink drawing technique on large paper.

The artist adds finishing touches to his work before it is hung up on the wall. The exhibition is part of Fawcett's "Preserving the memory of the city through sketches" program, documenting the changes in HCMC over more than 10 years that he has lived in the city.
The artist said he spent many years observing the landscapes of the city and recording it with ink drawings on large paper.

Fawcett observed from skyscrapers and painstakingly sketched out the city. Featured in the series of artworks is the city sketch from the top floor of the Centec Tower building with a 360-degree panorama view that made by the artist in April 2015. He completed the work after more than 230 hours.

The sketches were drawn in painstaking detail from skyscrapers.
The sketch above is a 360 degree view from the top floor of the Centec Tower building made in April 2015. It took Fawcett more than 230 hours to complete this work.

The detailed scene of the city center in the 15-meter-long artwork, featuring the Saigons iconic Notre Dame Cathedral surrounded by modern buildings.

A detailed look at the city center in the 15-meter-long artwork, featuring the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral surrounded by modern buildings.

Part of Binh Thanh District and District 1 seen from the 23rd floor of The Manor building on Nguyen Huu Canh Street in 2016.

Part of Binh Thanh District and District 1 seen from the 23rd floor of The Manor building on Nguyen Huu Canh Street, done in 2016.

A view of the city from the Landmark 81, Vietnams tallest building standing tall at 461.5 meters, in 2018. The images shows a part of the Saigon River, Thu Thiem peninsula and the central area of District 1.

A view of the city from Landmark 81, Vietnam's tallest building standing tall at 461.5 meters, done in 2018. It shows a part of the Saigon River, the Thu Thiem peninsula and the central area of District 1.

The painting depicts the view from the 18th floor of The Prince Residence on Nguyen Van Troi Street, with a 180-degree view to the east of the city, showcasing the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal and part of the Cong Ly Bridge leading to the city center.The artist took 130 hours to complete this artwork, which is also the last painting in the exhibition and also his most recent work.

This sketch is a 180-degree view of the east of the city from the 18th floor of The Prince Residence on Nguyen Van Troi Street. In the forefront is the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal and part of the Cong Ly Bridge that leads to the city center. Fawcett took 130 hours to complete this latest work, which is also the last one in the exhibition.

Viet Bac, 72, said: The sketches are very beautiful and detailed, helping viewers see the development of the city when viewed from above.Exhibition is open to the public until June 1, 2022. Once finished, the painting will be auctioned and the money raised is donated to childrens charities in HCMC.

City resident Viet Bac, 72, said: "The sketches are very beautiful and detailed, helping viewers see the development of the city when viewed from above."
The exhibition will remain open until June 1, 2022. The works will be auctioned later and the proceeds donated to children's charities in the city.

 
 
go to top