As a child of Vietnam plucked from the War to be raised in the West, I have been blessed with having the exposure to the best of the two worlds. Yet, no matter where I go or what I do, I still find myself drawn to the sensuous influences of Vietnam, be it in the delicate yet refreshing flavours of the food, to the sound of the romantic but always sad Vietnamese ballads that my father likes to play to my mother, to the visual contrasts of young girls in their white ao dai on their way to school, set against the chaotic background of beeping vespas, motor bikes and cars, to the luxurious touch of Vietnamese spun silks, and finally to the wide range of the visually arresting, sometimes colourful, always emotive and often beguiling simple lines and soft colours that is the signature of Vietnamese art du jour.
And the world is fast waking up to it.
As Vietnam emerges under the commercial floodgate of WTO, it will soon be the end of the old world innocence as I know it. It will take a while before it will impact on the art world sending art prices soaring, which is why it might be the best time to invest in a few pieces and preserve for yourself, for a life time, what is so precious and unique about old Vietnam and its people.
ArtViet Du Jour is an on-line gallery established primarily to show case the charming and often provocative artworks by Vietnam's upcoming and emerging artists, as well as some of the more established names. You won't find art at premium prices here, but art that inspires as well as being accessible, for people who wants something bespoke, simple, but precious.
Do enjoy looking through the artworks that I have featured on this page. If you think you like to own a piece or two and help nurture along the Vietnamese art community, or to just be put on the email list to receive updates, please send me a line at
mylinhc@gmail.com.
Chao anh, chi, em!
Woodblock on rice paper: "Tet" 35cm x 25cm, 1945 - US$1,250
Paper painting: "Ladies of Leisure" 16cm x 39cm - US$300
