Luong Xuan Nhi, Vietnamese painter, 93
deb...@comcast.net
(30-05-2006)
Life impressions: Veteran painter Luong Xuan Nhi (1913-2006). - VNS
File Photo
HA NOI - Veteran painter Luong Xuan Nhi, one of the first pioneers of
the country's modern fine art, died last week at the age of 93.
Born in 1913 in Ha Noi, Nhi was known nationwide as a talented painter
and a prestigious and wholehearted professor.
As one of the first graduates of the Indochina Fine Arts College, now
the Ha Noi Fine Arts Collge (1932-1937), Nhi helped bring Western oil
painting to Viet Nam by using oil and silk to impregnate his works with
the graceful Eastern spirit.
Nhi travelled extensively through Germany, Japan, Algeria, the Soviet
Union and elsewhere to collect impressions on landscapes and people,
and in particular, the women he saw.
Nhi's early works contain innumerable images of a diverse spectrum of
women who earn their living on the streets. He also produced hundreds
of paintings featuring Ha Noi women's simple beauty.
In 1937, his painting Girl Sells Drink was displayed in Paris, and in
1942 his famous painting Girl and Lotus sold when it was first on
display. Nhi's works are in the Fine Art Museum of Viet Nam, museums
in Paris, New York and Tokyo, as well as private collections at home
and abroad. He participated in fine arts exhibitions in Viet Nam and
foreign countries starting in 1936.
While studying at the Indochina Fine Arts College, he won the silver
medal in 1935, the gold medal in 1936 and the premier prize in 1937,
granted by the Indochina Fine Arts Stimulations Association.
In 1938, his silk painting Teahouse was purchased by the World
Headquarters New York Museum.
He worked as a lecturer of the Ha Noi Fine Art College from 1955 to
1981; and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Viet Nam Fine
Arts Association from 1957 to 1989.
He received the People's Artist title in 1990 and a State literature
and art prize in 2001 for his contribution to national fine arts. His
name is also listed in the Viet Nam encyclopaedia.
"I have learnt a lot from the life, people and nature of the country. I
find a rule in the mountain, river, plant and field structures. I find
my emotions in the colours of nature. My paintings live together with
the life and beauty of the nation," said Nhi at his 90th birthday
celebration in 2003, whose birthday wish was to be able to ride his
bicycle as he used to do to find inspiration.
With nearly 70 years working as a painter and a lecturer, Nhi carved
out his place in the history of Viet Nam's art. - VNS