Experience the interplay of colors by artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach in the "Visiting Scenes" exhibition.

Nguyen Ngoc Thach (1991) was born in Quang Ngai and graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts in 2016. His recent practice has focused on exploring the realm of the mind, human relationships, and the living environment in relation to systems and attitudes of power. He is concerned with and questions the normalization of injustices, exploring ethical foundations based on the transformation of the surrounding environment. Therefore, he always delves into the insecurity and skepticism about humanity and nature.

Born and raised in the harsh central region of Vietnam, the natural landscapes are deeply ingrained in his subconscious, making him sensitive to everything around him as the scenery changes daily. The series of 36 paintings titled "Visiting Scenery" by Ngoc Thach offers a completely new perspective. On the surface, it's a shift in medium from oil to acrylic, but a deeper look reveals a transformation in the young artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach's mindset and viewpoint. Readers are invited to listen to the artist's insights in the interview with Travellive below.

PV: Hello, artist Thach. What is the overarching theme of the series of paintings you're bringing to the "Visiting Scenery" exhibition? Where did that idea originate?

Artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach:This series of paintings, "Scenic Views," all depict landscapes. It could be the "In the Garden" series, inspired by the pure emotions I felt when I stepped into the garden early in the morning. Seeing the trees swaying in the thin mist, bathed in gentle morning sunlight, gave me inspiration and energy to create art.

For the series "Red Forest," the inspiration is abundantly drawn from the lingering memories of my childhood. I was born and raised surrounded by mountains and forests, and I often went into them, so I'm very familiar with them. Every time I return to my hometown, I wander around those once familiar places, but sadly, they are gradually disappearing. I paint the forest by searching through my memories, as a way to revive the beautiful things of the past.

PV: Recently, in the works at the "Reunion" exhibition, viewers saw a pensive, melancholic Nguyen Ngoc Thach with thick brushstrokes, somewhere with a sense of struggle and self-reflection. But in "Vang Canh," he seems to have "changed his clothes," with many bright colors, more open about his thoughts. Where does this transformation come from?

Artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach:First, let's talk about the change in materials. In "Reunion," the works that Thach brought to the exhibition all used oil paint with thick strokes and dark tones. But perhaps that series of paintings didn't fully express who I am, they weren't truly "mature." Therefore, after finishing many of the works, I either started over or completely discarded them. The paintings were created before the pandemic, and during the pandemic, I felt those works were too heavy, beyond my capacity to handle.

Artwork is a mirror reflecting who I am. If I'm burdened by my own feelings, my artwork won't be light and carefree. After that period, I changed to become lighter, which was also a way to heal my inner self. Switching to acrylics also allowed me to "express" my inner self in a more pure way. After a period of experimentation, I've been able to express everything more effectively with the new material and technique, while still maintaining my personal style.

PV: Does the flexibility in expression in these works diminish the consistency of your personal style?

Artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach:Since 2021, I've had my first explorations of using acrylic in my work. The softness of acrylic stands out against the oil paint strokes, making me question why I shouldn't use it in my paintings. Thach began using straight strokes with acrylic, and thankfully, this approach allowed him to express his desired effect in his artwork. With acrylic, I can paint multiple layers while maintaining transparency. Meanwhile, oil paint is very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve.

Each of my paintings has its own soul, a convergence of emotions expressed through different techniques, so there is almost no repetition. As for the style, it remains the same; there's still a touch of melancholy in Nguyen Ngoc Thach's paintings.

PV: A fresh energy radiates from the paintings. The shapes in the paintings are becoming clearer. This is quite a remarkable change, isn't it?

Artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach:During my work, I try to understand what I want to express. When painting landscapes, I don't simply record nature, but paint in an impromptu, expressive style. The paintings are abstract yet realistic because the creative material is drawn from reality.

The source of inspiration is crucial when painting, or working with art in general. Even with the same artwork, if you want to consistently express a joyful spirit, you must maintain that energy throughout the entire process. For example, with the "In the Garden" series of paintings, I had a very pure creative inspiration and tried to cultivate that energy to paint. The next day, I regenerated that energy and spirit, and only then did my brushstrokes flow smoothly, expressing that overall joyful spirit.

PV: How can the relationship between humans and nature be understood in your series of paintings at Vang Canh?

Artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach:In 2019, I had my first solo exhibition, "Broken Relationships," which focused on people, relationships, and their interactions. Looking back, I realize those issues were too big for me, so since then I haven't painted current events. I simply paint "myself": what I am, what I want to express. In "Vang Canh," it's almost entirely about the story of space, color, the sensitivity of the materials, and the artist's mindset in perceiving the landscape.

The relationship between the artist and nature is a personal perception, and the artist simply wants the audience to see how the artist views the landscape from a different perspective, with different shades and in a different space. I borrow colors, materials, and themes to break free from the heavy burdens that I once pursued in art. Those issues are no longer important to me; although I still care about them, I express myself through other activities. What is important for an artist, or painter, is to find themselves, not to find what others want them to portray.

PV: So, have you found yourself through the "Visiting Scenes" exhibition yet?

Artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach:Actually, I'm a "greedy" person; I'll probably never be satisfied with my current self-discoveries. I want this journey to be even longer and more extensive. This search probably doesn't have a specific destination. I'll continue working and exploring myself through experimentation with new materials and creativity. Perhaps someday, Nguyen Ngoc Thach will reappear with paintings of people, for example!

Thank you, artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach!

Additional information:

Recent exhibitions by artist Nguyen Ngoc Thach include: Group exhibition "HOI NGO" (Meeting) of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association 2023; Pop-up exhibition "Ruc Ra Ruc Dich" (GocLab-TOONG Coworking Space) 2020; Solo exhibition "Broken Relationships" (The Factory contemporary art center 2019); Young Artists Biennale (Saigon, Vietnam 2017); Asian Student and Young Artists Art Festival & Hidden Artists Festival (Seoul, South Korea 2016).

Bi Le