Mai Trung Thứ

Mai Trung Thứ, born in 1906 in the village of Ro Nha, Kien An, Haiphong (now part of An Dương district, Hải Phòng, Vietnam), was a notable Vietnamese painter known for his silk paintings that captured women, children, and the essence of daily life. Coming from a distinguished family, his father, Mai Trung Cat, was a high-ranking mandarin. Mai Trung Thứ attended the École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine in Hanoi, from which he graduated in 1930 as part of the first class, alongside artists like Le Pho. His early works in Vietnam, from 1906 to 1937, celebrated folk themes and the innocence of rural Vietnamese life.

In 1937, Mai Trung Thứ moved to France to participate in an exhibition and decided to stay there for the rest of his life, passing away in Clichy-la-Garenne on October 10, 1980. In France, he became known for his paintings of doleful, lovely women and continued to explore traditional Vietnamese motifs through a Western lens. He was also an accomplished player of the đàn bầu, a traditional Vietnamese one-stringed instrument. His works were featured in various exhibitions in Paris, and he held solo exhibitions on themes like "Children of Mai Thu" and "Women in Mai Thu's Eyes," showcasing his nostalgic and poetic view of Vietnam from afar.

Ngo Trong Van and Nguyen Thi Dung

Ceramic Pottery Masterpieces of Vietnam: Ngo Trong Van and Nguyen Thi Dung

In the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese ceramic art, Ngo Trong Van and Nguyen Thi Dung stand out as radiant hues, enriching the nation's cultural heritage with their exquisite creations. Based in Thủ Dầu Một, Bình Dương, they have painstakingly nurtured their own unique pottery kiln, where their intricate artworks take flight

Their artistic odyssey commenced in 2003 at the Bien Hoa Decorative Of Art, where they delved into the profound knowledge of ceramics and cultivated an ardent passion for this unique traditional art form. Guided by dedicated mentors, they honed their skills, refined their creativity, and nurtured their distinctive style.

Through years of unwavering dedication and artistry, Ngo Trong Van and Nguyen Thi Dung have established their prominence in Vietnam's ceramic landscape with their refined and personally expressive works. Their creations captivate not only with their aesthetic beauty but also with the profound messages they convey about life, humanity, and the essence of traditional culture.

 * "Whispers" Exhibition (2020): Held at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, this exhibition showcased the artists' captivating ceramic collection, each piece embodying unique stories and emotions that resonate with the viewer's soul.

 * "Ceramic Improvisations" Exhibition (2021): Also hosted at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, this exhibition celebrated Ngo Trong Van and Nguyen Thi Dung's groundbreaking creativity and expressive prowess in the art of ceramics.

 * "Saigon Ceramics" Exhibition (2020): Convening at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, this exhibition brought together the outstanding ceramic works of Ngo Trong Van and Nguyen Thi Dung alongside renowned ceramic artists from Vietnam's southern region.