Legendary Vietnamese artists shine at commemorative Hanoi exhibit

Four iconic Vietnamese artists of the 20th century, including Nguyen Tu Nghiem, Duong Bich Lien, Nguyen Sang, and Bui Xuan Phai (Nghiem - Lien - Sang - Phai), created these pencil, oil, and lacquer works around 50 years ago.

The display will offer art lovers a glimpse of the past, with all works owned by collector Tran Ngoc Lam.

"Den Dau" (Oil Lamp) by Bui Xuan Phai. Photo courtesy of Rue De Camp.

One of the most prominent paintings at the exhibition is "Den Dau" (Old Lamp) by Bui Xuan Phai, inspired by his own diary "Viet Duoi Anh Den Dau" (Under The Light of An Oil Lamp). Phai, seen by many as the most important Vietnamese painter of the 20th century, significantly influenced the development of contemporary, modern art in the country, according to insiders.

Nguyen Tu Nghiem is known for his works that meld European Post-Impressionist techniques with Vietnamese subject matter. Nguyen Sang was one of the legendary painters of the Indochina Fine Arts College and famous for oil and lacquer paintings. Duong Bich Lien was also a student at Indochina Fine Arts College and famed for portraiture.

"Color of The Past" is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily from August 28 to September 6 at Rue Du Camp Bistro, 50 Trang Thi Street, Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District.

Entrance is free to the public.