Painter Van Duong Thanh – Ambassador of Vietnamese Culture
Through 20 years of living far from the homeland, the nostalgia always wells up in the heart of painter Van Duong Thanh. In recent years, she has returned to Vietnam many times to establish painting studios and hold exhibitions.

She recalled: “At the college, I was taught basically under the curriculum of
With more than 1,000 paintings, featuring Vietnamese people and the beauty of nature, she has held about 60 small and large exhibitions, leaving long-lasting impressions on the art lovers. Many of her paintings have been displayed at big museums worldwide, such as the National Fine Arts Museum in
Although the working and living condition in
Late painter Trong Kiem once said: “Whatever Van Duong Thanh painted, viewers can recognise the Vietnamese spirit, soul and the beauty of nature because she uses tranquil oils and lacquers to explore every corner of the country. Seeing Van Duong Thanh’s paintings, one can see familiar images and colours in the daily life, such as women going to transplant rice, weaving non (conical hat), bathing under the moonlight, children going fishing, villagers in the midland, moss-covered roofs, banana leaves nearby rows of flowers, old gates, etc. All open a mysterious world. Even though she uses pure or contrasting colours, her paintings still reveal the harmony thanks to the light and skilful brush strokes. In her recent returns to
She has been renowned both domestically and internationally as a messenger of peace with a friendly smile, gentle beauty and free soul. Through her works, she has introduced the country and people of - Van Duong Thanh is the youngest painter whose painting entitled “White daisy” has been bought for display at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, which she painted at the age of 20. - She won the Vietnam Fine Arts Association’s prizes in 1972, 1974 and 1975. - Her two works “Vietnam’s ancient village” and “The quietness” were selected by French and American juries as the best paintings at the “Preeminent International Art Programme” in 1975 and 1977 which attracted artists from 36 countries. - She has painted over 1,500 paintings, including 15 works displayed at the - She has held about 60 exhibitions in many countries in the world, such as France, the US, Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, etc. Painter Van Duong Thanh