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| The artworks are displayed at Nhung Art Space |
With passion, you can
Unlike before, when exhibitions were mainly attended by guests and artists, nowadays, with the participation of a great number of art enthusiasts, the exhibitions have created a vibrant atmosphere. Rather than simply viewing the works, some visitors quietly choose and tag the pieces they like with a ribbon.
Occasionally appearing at art exhibitions, Mr. Nguyen Quang (from Vy Da Ward) didn’t simply come to admire the paintings, he also collected several pieces from those events. His love for art came quite by chance. It all began when he moved into a new apartment. “A friend asked if I’d like a painting as a gift for my new home. At first, I was taken aback, but then I said yes with a nod,” Mr. Quang recalled. That painting became the spark that set his journey of collecting more artworks in motion.
He shared that after traveling to many places, he realized that hanging paintings is common not only in public spaces and hotels but also in private homes. At first, he thought one had to be very wealthy to take part in such hobby, but that wasn’t the case. Alongside billion - or hundred-million VND masterpieces, there are also works priced at just a few dozen million VND, or even under ten million VND. “Besides the renowned artists, many young artists are creating gorgeous works. Once you have a real passion and love for art, finding a piece that’s both affordable and satisfying isn’t difficult,” Mr. Quang affirmed. Up to now, he owns a collection of more than ten paintings by artists from Hue.
Like Quang, in recent years, many people in Hue have begun to pay more attention, even invest in their spiritual life by visiting art exhibitions and meeting their favorite artists right in their studios. In the beginning, many felt unsure about this art form, but over time, as they spent effort learning and exploring, their fondness for it gradually grew, almost without them realizing it.
“I used to believe that it had to take a lot of money, maybe tens of millions or more, to collect paintings. But after interacting with many collectors and artists, I realized that with a real passion and a personal view of art, you can still build your own collection in your own way,” said Ms. Hoang Giang, one of Hue residents who has taken up the hobby of collecting paintings.
Anyone who steps into the living room of Ms. Giang’s home can’t help but be impressed by the paintings she has displayed with care in the best spots. Many of them depict Hue’s landscapes and heritage. “Starting from a single gifted painting, I quietly began collecting more. Calling them just assets doesn’t do it justice, they are truly spiritual treasures,” said Ms. Giang.
From private space to art space
From this love for painting, Ms. Nhung Dang, a resident of Hue, has opened her own art space and invited artists to display their artworks. Her home in Phu My An area is now known as Nhung Art Space. Over the past year, she has brought together many Hue artists in this space to hold 2 exhibitions.
“Without paintings, this beautiful home is incomplete,” Ms. Nhung Dang recalled a neighbor’s saying during a visit. This compliment, along with the encouragement to “find a few paintings” to brighten up the house, led her to develop a love for painting.
Starting with just a few paintings, her home has now transformed into an art space, from the living room to every corner inside. Not stopping there, she also connects with and invites artists to hold exhibitions, art discussion. These activities have been received enthusiastic support. It has become a gathering, a meeting to share passion and spread the value of art and culture within the community.
Most of the works in Ms. Nhung Dang’s collection are created by Hue artists or those living and working in Hue. “I’ve seen many collectors from other places come to Hue to buy paintings, so why shouldn’t I do the same while I’m here? With the fear about missing the opportunity, I was determined to start collecting. Beyond that, in the future I hope to connect and collaborate to organize exhibitions and bring artists’ works to a wider audience,” Nhung Dang shared.
Artist Do Ky Huy (Hue City) informed that the art ecosystem in Hue has long been relatively weak. However, recently, in addition to public museums, private museums, private art spaces, and collectors have also emerged. This has created a lively atmosphere in the local art scene. “It is the collectors and patrons who have contributed to raising Hue’s profile, a heritage cultural city - including its contemporary art,” said Mr. Huy.
Sharing the same view, artist Dang Mau Tuu believes that Hue people appreciate beauty and meticulousness. For a long time, many families have a tradition or an interest in collecting paintings, such cases are few. Therefore, the recent changes in public engagement with art through collecting paintings can be considered a positive sign. “I hope that Hue people will gradually get into the habit of collecting art, and more private art spaces and venues will be opened,” Mr. Tuu expressed.