Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Nguyen Tu Nghiem (Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm) was a prominent figure in Vietnamese modern art. Born in 1918 in Nam Trung, Nam Dan, Nghe An, and passing away in 2016, he was one of the most influential artists in Vietnam during the 20th century.
Dimensions: 60 x 89.8 cm
Medium: Lacquer paintings
Year: 1972
Status: Museum
Artist: Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Dimensions: 90 x 120.3 cm
Medium: Lacquer paintings
Year: 1990
Status: Museum
Artist: Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm
Medium: Lacquer paintings
Year: 1987
Status: Private collection
Artist: Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Dimensions: 70.3 x 150.5 cm
Medium: Lacquer paintings
Year: 1957
Status: Museum
Artist: Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Dimensions: 45.5 x 63 cm
Medium: Lacquer paintings
Year: 1957
Status: Museum
Artist: Nguyen Tu Nghiem
1. Who is Nguyen Tu Nghiem?
Master artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem (1918-2016) was one of the most prominent and influential painters in 20th-century Vietnamese fine arts. He was one of the "four pillars" of Vietnamese painting, alongside other renowned artists such as Nguyen Sang, Duong Bich Lien, and Bui Xuan Phai.
Nguyen Tu Nghiem's talent was evident from a young age. According to the Chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, after completing his primary education in Vinh, he and his brother moved to Hanoi to pursue his passion for painting. At the age of 19, Nguyen Tu Nghiem passed the entrance exam to the Indochina College of Fine Arts, continuing the artistic path he had loved since childhood.
2. Artistic Journey
Nguyen Tu Nghiem had an impressive and remarkable artistic journey. His career was not only marked by outstanding artworks but also by significant events and turning points in his life.
Nguyen Tu Nghiem's career officially began when he entered the Indochina College of Fine Arts. There, he received formal training in painting under the guidance of renowned instructors, laying a crucial foundation for his future career.
In 1951, after the establishment of the Resistance Fine Arts School by painter To Ngoc Van, Nguyen Tu Nghiem was invited to become a lecturer at the school. This was an important period in his career, as he and other artists experimented with and explored lacquer painting, leading to a new development in Vietnamese lacquer art.
In 1954, Nguyen Tu Nghiem joined the Vietnam Literary and Arts Association. Here, he continued to research and work with various materials, creating a unique artistic style that blended past and present.
3. Artistic Style and Main Themes
3.1. Artistic Style
- Combining Tradition and Modernity: Nguyen Tu Nghiem often used lacquer techniques, a traditional Vietnamese method, combined with modern elements in image representation and composition. This distinctive feature left a deep impression on viewers.
- Vibrant Colors: He employed rich colors, bringing vibrancy to his works. The colors in his paintings were not merely decorative but also carried profound symbolic meanings.
- Shapes and Lines: His works often exhibited a balance and harmony between shapes and lines, creating a sense of softness yet strength.
3.2. Main Themes
- Rural Life: Many of his works depicted the landscapes and people of rural Vietnam, showcasing the simplicity and authenticity of life. The soul of the countryside is vividly and realistically captured in pieces like "Con Nghe."
- People and Culture: Nguyen Tu Nghiem frequently explored various aspects of Vietnamese people, from emotions and sentiments to customs and traditional culture. Notable examples include works like "Giong," "Twelve Zodiac Animals," and "Traditional Dance."
- Honoring Nature's Beauty: Vietnam's nature was also a significant source of inspiration for his art, with majestic and poetic landscapes.
- Seeking National Identity: Nguyen Tu Nghiem consistently sought to express Vietnam's cultural identity through his works, from human figures to cultural symbols. During difficult times, he resorted to commercial painting to make a living but never ceased to explore new artistic avenues.
4. Exhibition History and Awards
4.1. Nguyen Tu Nghiem's Art Exhibitions
- Exhibition of 199 Paintings: This exhibition showcased 199 works by master artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem, highlighting and introducing his contributions to Vietnamese fine arts. These works included lacquer paintings, silk paintings, and various other art forms, revolving around themes of culture, people, and nature in Vietnam. This exhibition not only provided an opportunity for the audience to admire Nguyen Tu Nghiem's talent but also served as a chance to learn about the history of Vietnamese fine arts, encouraging young people to explore and be more creative.
- Twelve Zodiac Animals Exhibition: The "Twelve Zodiac Animals" exhibition by artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem was a distinctive art event, showcasing his creativity and talent in depicting the sacred animals of Vietnamese culture. This exhibition was not just a display of artworks but also a journey to explore the culture and customs associated with the twelve zodiac animals. Each painting told its own story, reflecting the characteristics, personality, and symbolism of each zodiac sign.
4.2. Awards Achieved by Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Nguyen Tu Nghiem received numerous awards and honors throughout his artistic career. Some of the notable awards include:
- 1948: First Prize at the National Resistance Fine Arts Exhibition with the work "Du kich lang Phu Luu" ("Phu Luu Village Guerrilla").
- 1957: Award at the National Fine Arts Exhibition with the work "Con Nghe" ("The Buffalo Calf").
- 1975: Award at the Capital Fine Arts Exhibition with the work "Hai dia son mai" ("Two Lacquer Plates").
- 1985: Official Award at the International Realist Art Exhibition in Bulgaria with the work "Dieu mua co I" ("Traditional Dance I").
- 1987: Official Award at the International Exhibition in Hanoi with the work "Dieu mua co II" ("Traditional Dance II").
- 1990: First Prize at the National Fine Arts Exhibition with the work "Giong."
- 1996: Ho Chi Minh Award, Phase I, for Literature and Arts.
5. Notable Works by Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Giong
The work "Giong" or "Gióng" is one of Nguyen Tu Nghiem's most famous paintings, not only depicting a legendary figure but also serving as a reminder of the resilient spirit and strength of the Vietnamese people. The painting embodies pride in culture and history, inspiring patriotism and the will to rise in everyone.
The Calf
"The Calf" or "Con Nghé" is a remarkable artwork, not only beautiful in form but also rich in cultural meaning. Nguyen Tu Nghiem used vibrant colors and strong lines to create a lively image of the buffalo calf, affirming his position in Vietnamese fine arts and enriching the treasure trove of folk art.
Traditional Dance
The work "Traditional Dance" or "Điệu múa cổ" depicts dancers in traditional costumes performing dances rich in cultural identity. Through this painting, Nguyen Tu Nghiem not only captured a moment of art but also honored the beauty of folk culture.
6. Nguyen Tu Nghiem's Influence and Legacy
Nguyen Tu Nghiem was a pioneer in combining traditional and modern art. He infused elements of folk culture into his paintings, creating a unique style deeply rooted in national identity. His works often centered around folk culture themes, such as dance, music, and traditional rituals. Through this, he not only showcased the beauty of culture but also contributed to preserving and promoting Vietnam's long-standing cultural values.
Beyond this, Nguyen Tu Nghiem played a crucial role in the formation and development of the modern fine arts movement in Vietnam, especially in the post-war period. His works opened new avenues for many young artists. Nguyen Tu Nghiem's artworks have been exhibited not only in Vietnam but also internationally. His artistic legacy continues to influence contemporary artists and serves as a source of inspiration for many new works of the current generation.
7. Criticism and Evaluation of Nguyen Tu Nghiem's Works
Nguyen Tu Nghiem is regarded by critics and the public as one of the "four geniuses" of 20th-century Vietnamese fine arts. Many art critics have emphasized the uniqueness of Nguyen Tu Nghiem's style. They believe that he successfully combined modern and traditional art, bringing a fresh perspective on national culture. His works are often praised for their subtlety and ability to convey strong emotions.
At exhibitions displaying his works, the public is often captivated by the familiarity and accessibility of his paintings. He skillfully incorporated folk cultural elements into his works, making viewers feel connected and easily relate to the content. Nguyen Tu Nghiem's paintings are often considered symbols of Vietnamese cultural beauty. Many believe that his artistic legacy lies not only in specific works but also in the way he paved the way for other artists to find and develop their own unique styles.
8. Personal Life of Nguyen Tu Nghiem
Nguyen Tu Nghiem was born on October 20, 1918, in Nam Trung Commune, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province. Details about his family life are often kept private, but it is known that he married at the age of 73 to Mrs. Thu Giang, who was 28 years younger than him.
In addition to creating art, he was passionate about teaching. He taught at the Vietnam Intermediate School of Fine Arts (now the Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts) and dedicated much of his time to imparting knowledge and experience to younger generations.
Even at 90 years old, Nguyen Tu Nghiem continued to paint daily, immersing himself in his passion for art. It can be said that Nguyen Tu Nghiem was a talented painter whose contributions to the nation's fine arts have inspired and expanded the understanding of fine arts for the younger generation passionate about this field today.