In 2024, Quang made a significant highlight in the Vietnamese art scene with 52 impressive large-sized lacquer paintings, which were displayed to the public at an exhibition held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's liberation.
Working on traditional lacquer paintings is always a challenge for artists, especially for the youth, however, Chu Nhat Quang has found it to be source of passion since childhood.
Quang’s interest in the traditional art form was nurtured and inspired by his grandfather, People's Artist Chu Manh Chan, and his father, Meritorious Artist Chu Luong, who are both renowned for their lacquer landscape paintings and water puppetry.
Inheriting his family's artistic legacy and learning from his education abroad, Chu Nhat Quang possesses all the necessary skills to innovate while preserving the soul of traditional lacquer painting.
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| A painting by Chu Nhat Quang |
With his background, he has explored new directions that elevate Vietnamese lacquer through continuous creative expression. He strives to create vibrant shades of colour alongside experimenting with new inlay materials from various sources.
Notably, he also tries to use recycled materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
After months of persistent experimentation with numerous failures, large seamless lacquer paintings have become a trademark for Chu Nhat Quang in the art circle.
Observing his grand lacquer works, averaging nearly 2 square metres and some even exceeding 7 square metres, one can see a blend of ideas and expressions with profound philosophies and perspectives on life.
This is the result of months spent by the artist researching to depict the beauty of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Turtle Tower, One Pillar Pagoda, and other ancient relics of the capital.
His works illustrate various facets of heritage through multidimensional thoughts by adeptly utilising diverse colours of lacquer under light effects while drawing intrigue from contemplation and philosophy. Lotus flowers appear in many of Quang’s works, embodying beauty that is both proud yet humble — showcasing the essence of the Vietnamese people in their spiritual connection with nature.
Quang and his collaborators are working on 20 large lacquer paintings in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the South’s liberation and national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City (April 30, 2025), including 15 artworks depicting the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign and the Spring Victory of 1975.
Each painting, measuring 1m x 2m, will recall a significant battlefield during the victorious march of Vietnamese soldiers, who fought for national independence, peace and reunification.
The highlight of the series will be a grand lacquer painting entitled “The Path of Uncle Ho” measuring 4m high and 9m wide and weighing approximately three tons.
The painting depicts President Ho Chi Minh's journey seeking a path to national liberation. At the centre of the artwork shines President Ho Chi Minh — the national beloved leader, a great personality and cultural icon of Vietnam and the world.
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| A painting by Chu Nhat Quang featuring the art of water puppetry |
Chu Nhat Quang notes that creating a portrait on lacquer is challenging; however, it is even more difficult to capture the leader's aura, compassion, and intellectual stature.
This required him to conduct extensive research and seek various sources of references about President Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary cause as well as his everyday life; and each exploration reveals new insights about the great leader that inspire Quang’s creativity.
In addition to this project, Chu Nhat Quang plans to host an exhibition in 2025 commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.
With his tireless effort to elevate Vietnamese lacquer art to new heights within regional and global painting contexts, it is believed that Quang’s art career will continue to advance and thrive even further.
