Go out and have fun at the "GO OUT" exhibition.

"GOING OUT" for the 4th time, titled "LOOK, 7 Years Retrospective," serves as a pause to reflect on the activities of the 8 teachers and students over the past 7 years, honing their skills through hands-on nature photography experiences.

With 48 landscape paintings by 8 artists, including two guest artists, Nguyen Quang Vinh and Le Kinh Tai, who have previously worked with the group, they directly shared their experiences in creative work and indirectly provided stylistic and artistic foundations to develop the unique personal techniques of the "5+" group members.

Although the 48 paintings on display this time are not exhaustive, they almost comprehensively summarize a period of formation and development of the artistic style and personal techniques of young artists Lam Son Than, Huy Phan, Tran Van, Nhat Duy, Nguyen Xuan Nghi, and Tran Hanh.

To better understand the "travel" experiences of teachers and students, Travellive had a conversation with artist Le Kinh Tai.

PV: Hello, could you share about your "Travel" journey over the past 7 years with young artists?

Artist Le Kinh Tai:Looking back on seven years of "going out and having fun" together, what I and Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh cherish most is sharing experiences in the creative process, as well as encouraging and inspiring the younger generation with a serious work ethic. We went out to the studio together to paint landscapes, honing the skills of young artists in using different materials.

Those of us who came before you, like myself and Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, can see the unique personalities and styles of these young people. It's the same in any profession, especially in the arts; you always need to find your own personal mark in each work. I have great confidence in this "young generation"; each of them has a different color, their own unique qualities, and great potential.

PV: What are your expectations for the "GO OUT" exhibition and the "5+" group?

Artist Le Kinh Tai:Currently, my only wish, and that of my friend Nguyen Quang Vinh, is that this younger generation will continue this journey with the next generation, sharing their experiences in exploration and creativity with the next generation, the even younger colleagues.

During the exhibition's opening, Travellive reporters also had the opportunity to chat with Lam Son Than - a "core" member of the "5+" group.

PV: Hello Son Than, could you explain the name "5+"?

Artist Lam Son Than:Seven years ago, my teacher, I, and I went on a trip together. Every year, we regularly go on trips to various places to share our artistic perspectives and paint nature. The group is guided by Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh and Mr. Le Kinh Tai, and consists of five members: Nhat Duy, Huy Phan, Tran Van, Nguyen Xuan Nghi, and myself. These five core members are dedicated and always eager to recruit more talented young people passionate about painting, hence the name "5+". This exhibition features a new member, the young artist Tran Hanh.

PV: After 7 years of working together on "GOING OUT", what are your feelings?

Artist Lam Son Than:In reality, it's often easy for art students to feel lost when they first graduate. Without clear direction and without nurturing their passion for art, they're highly likely to switch careers because they don't know where to go. Thanks to "GOING OUT," we have the opportunity to connect with like-minded souls who love art and become more active participants.

PV: What is your most memorable experience during your 7 years of "GOING OUT" with the group?

Artist Lam Son Than:Almost every trip brought a wonderful experience. The most memorable were the meals, when the whole group gathered together to enjoy special dishes that Uncle Le Kinh Tai personally cooked for us. Even though I'm a vegetarian, Uncle kindly prepared vegetarian dishes for me. The dish that was particularly delicious, in my opinion, only Uncle could make so well, was the vegetarian Quang-style noodles.

Interviewer: What does "going out" mean to your artistic career?

Artist Lam Son Than:For me, painting is not simply a profession to earn a living, but it also reflects who I am when I bring my paintings to the public. I feel very fortunate to have the companionship of my teacher Nguyen Quang Vinh and Mr. Le Kinh Tai in the initial steps to truly live by this profession. We regard them as fathers and uncles in our family, and we are very grateful and appreciative.

Thank you, artist Lam Son Than!

Here are some photos from the "GO OUT" exhibition:

Bi Le