A journey from the heart of the city.

First destination: West Lake – a "specialty" of Hanoi that anyone living and working here has experienced to some extent. West Lake (once) bustling every afternoon with calm waters and gentle evening sunlight, both intense and sweet. West Lake for the elderly, with its profound tranquility, while for the "young" it is a vibrant, energetic, and creative spectacle. Amidst the vast sky, clouds are not just clouds; in the mind of young artist Mạnh Trần, clouds are surreal schools of fish swimming leisurely back and forth, representing aspirations, dreams, and reality.

Mold the sun into a red block.

Sometimes you need to close your eyes to see clearly.

However enchanting the city afternoons may be, the journey to the golden-lit streets at night is equally captivating. We are immersed in a tranquil and profound atmosphere, silent and serene as night falls. Time seems to slow down, a beat slower than the noise of everyday life, allowing us to linger, to hold onto our purest (and most raw) thoughts and feelings in the breath of the night, reflected in the lights.

WorkNight on Truc Bach StreetThis is the first sketch for Mạnh Trần's Night Street painting project.

Having strolled through the streets enough, let's follow the artist to his little corner to contemplate the "act of reading." Each second of this reading journey is a seedling, a vibrant sprout, taking root deep within our hearts, watering the leaves with knowledge, and reaching for the sky. Only by fully participating in the stream of knowledge, amidst the vast expanse outside, can we discern what rises and what sinks. Beyond that seemingly tranquil window, is it the moon reflecting on the water's surface or a defiant moonbeam? Opposite the bright moonbeam is a seductive black cat – a temptation still lingering around our consciousness. This black cat doesn't eat seeds; it's the black cat of temptation, gnawing away at the fleeting moments of time.

Fly and go

Go, to see how vast the world is. Go, to realize how small you are. Whether it's journeys through space or journeys through life, just keep going, turning left and right, climbing onto one ship after another, traveling to different lands, from bustling, glamorous places to wild, desolate mountains. Go, observe and learn, find answers to the uncertainties in your own young mind. Immerse yourself in the places you visit, touch them, and you'll know what they are. In this way, you'll gradually define yourself, know where you are. Now you can steer your own ship of life and make sharp turns when life wants to take a different path.

"The artwork 'The Journey' is a reflection of my experiences after traveling both domestically and internationally. Only when the pandemic broke out and everything seemed to come to a standstill did I deeply appreciate its value. It was an opportunity to observe things I had never seen before, to truly understand things that seemed within reach but turned out to be vague," the artist shared.

Travel to Northwest Vietnam to admire the shimmering "woven tapestry" of terraced rice fields stretching endlessly. The blue of the mountains and sky blending with the golden hues of ripening rice never ceases to stir the heart. Infused with contemporary art and inspiration from the Post-Impressionist school, these "terraces" of Northwest Vietnam appear natural and rhythmic. The rhythm ascends to the high fields and deep forests, the rhythm of the rustling rice calling to the clouds.

Ba Tam hats offer protection from the sun and rain, and their rustic charm is steeped in tradition. Ba Tam hats are made from old leaves, simpler and more unadorned than the traditional Vietnamese conical hat with chin strap. Often used for everyday protection, they typically have three layers of leaves and are less colorful. But simply experiencing the scenery isn't enough; "traveling" by meeting people and experiencing different cultures is also a wonderful way to do so.

This artwork is part of a research project on traditional Vietnamese clothing by artist Mạnh Trần.

Return

"We know a person is a poet when they turn themselves into a poet..."

Here lies peaceful wandering.

A place where lovers lean side by side.

At the horizon, a small love blossoms.

The water trickles down, forming swirling clouds.

Returning home, returning to loved ones, returning to the place where our hearts are happy - pure as the sky and clouds.

And let's return to nature. Nature is the sweet fruit of art. We find each cloud not just as a single work of art, but as countless others. Each time we contemplate it with the innocent spirit of our "inner child," a new form emerges. Whichever cloud our imagination wanders through, the art within us soars to that cloud. Appreciating art is like gazing at clouds. If a work evokes as many personal thoughts and emotions in the viewer as possible, then it is truly a masterpiece.

Even plants, trees, and clouds possess souls. Returning to nature is also returning to oneself.

Step into the creative world of artist Manh Tran.

Recently, during the lockdown period, the works of a young artist from the 90s generation – Mạnh Trần – quickly garnered interest and attention from art enthusiasts on social media. It's not surprising that paintings of West Lake, Hanoi, or the Northwest region particularly resonated with viewers during this time. But more than just depicting scenery and emotions, we discovered in Mạnh's works subtle reflections and insights into life, seen through the eyes of a young, adventurous individual.

Having completed our "journey through the paintings," Travellive now invites readers to learn more about this mysterious artist.

When did Mạnh first get involved in painting?

When I was a child, I was exposed to comic books from elementary school, and I was impressed by the illustrations on each page. I started drawing the characters from them in my own way.fanart,He even wrote his own series of stories.

However, at that time I only considered drawing as a hobby. It wasn't until after graduating from university that I decided to pick up a brush and pursue a professional career in painting.

Looking through some of Mạnh's drawings, two themes are frequently expressed: Hanoi and tourism. Are these two subjects that Mạnh enjoys?

Yes, I was born and raised in Hanoi – a rich and endless source of inspiration not only for me but also for many other artists. However, everyone's perspective is different. Therefore, each artwork has a different color and "essence." I myself have been connected to this land for almost 25 years, but each time I visit the same place at different times, my thoughts change.

Furthermore, traveling plays a very important role in my art, because I believe that an artist is someone who takes material and emotions from life and transforms them into a work of art. Therefore, constantly exploring and traveling to faraway places is essential to keep my art fresh and creative.

Where does Mạnh find the most inspiration for his drawings?

West Lake! I've lived, studied, and worked here since middle school. The longer I've been here, the more deeply I appreciate and appreciate the beauty of the lake. I don't know if it's because West Lake is always changing, or if I'm the one who's "changed" by the lake.

If Mạnh could go to one place just to paint, which location in Hanoi would he choose? Why?

While many other artists have been exploring images of Hanoi during sunny days, rainy days, and flower seasons, I am particularly drawn to Hanoi at night. The characteristic yellow lights and tranquil atmosphere contrast sharply with the hustle and bustle of the city before it sleeps. It's a space worth appreciating. That's also the reason why one of my upcoming projects is a series of paintings titled "Night Streets."

Are there any artists in the world that Mạnh particularly admires or is inspired by?

I have many favorite artists; if I were to list them all, I'd need a whole page of paper and pen. But to name one famous artist that most people in the art world know, it would be the British painter David Hockney.

He was a very versatile artist, not confining himself to any particular subject or style. His work was always evolving in new directions over the years, yet still full of energy and creativity. That's exactly what I aspire to on my artistic journey.

In Mạnh's eyes, what color represents happiness?

Blue. The color of the clear, deep, distant, and peaceful sky. At the same time, in a very unique way, it gives me a feeling of warmth and tranquility.

What does Mạnh do when he's experiencing art block? What kind of mood usually prompts him to pick up a pen and draw?

My view is that beingart blockIt's perfectly normal for a creative person. It will visit us at some point along our artistic journey.

Art block might be a sign that I'm focusing too much on a particular issue. At times, I simply acknowledge and accept it, temporarily setting aside creative work, doing other things unrelated to creativity, and relaxing and enjoying myself without worrying about it. For me, rest is also necessary to regain balance after periods of continuous work. Ideas and emotions will soon return when I'm truly at rest.

Personally, I don't rely on whether I'm in a good or bad mood to start painting. If I want to go far, I can't just work on days when I'm in a good mood, so I always paint as if it's a natural, everyday thing. Emotions may go up or down, but I'll definitely sit down at my desk and let things happen, whether good or bad, as they're all part of my journey.

Finally, Mạnh, could you share a little about your life during these lockdown days?

These days I'm always adhering to the government's pandemic prevention regulations, keeping up with the news, and trying to keep myself busy with my own projects. Because for me, that's how I maintain a stable state both physically and mentally.

Thank you, Mạnh. We hope to have the opportunity to chat with you soon about your new projects and works.

Additional information

If you want to learn more about Mạnh Trần's other works, you can follow him on Instagram @boogie.painter

Quynh Phuong, Lam Oanh