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Initially intending to pursue a career in fashion design, Hạnh Trần was guided by her teacher to focus on fine arts when she began seriously studying painting. Born in 1996, the young artist grew up in a large family in Bình Định province. She was fortunate to be exposed early on to the exquisitely carved wooden crafts of her father. These meticulous observations of woodworking deeply influenced her, providing her with much artistic inspiration and significantly impacting her early works.
Hanh Tran graduated with a degree in Painting from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts in 2019.
Clinging to the old... is refusing to discover yourself.
Wherever she went, she carefully observed wooden furniture. This was also one of Hanh Tran's first creative themes while studying painting at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. She used chairs, tables, cabinets, and other objects, along with focusing on color, light, and contrast, to express her inner feelings.
A series of coffee paintings by Hanh Tran.
The series of paintings on the theme of cafes, or paintings of tables and chairs, has helped Hanh Tran become more well-known among art enthusiasts. "When you mention Hanh, you immediately think of cafe paintings," but that doesn't mean she's sticking to her old style. "Actually, Hanh is still in the process of exploring and defining her personal style, and isn't rigidly adhering to the style that has been well-received by many. Hanh wants her perspective to extend beyond objects, encompassing landscapes and human activities..." the female artist confided.
The artwork "Da Lat Night," oil on canvas, size 30x40 cm.
The artwork "Rice Harvest Season," oil on canvas, size 40x50 cm.
2023 marked a significant shift in Hanh Tran's artistic creativity. She gradually moved towards landscape themes, exploring the daily activities of people in depth. From the perspective of a young, enthusiastic artist, her recent works are full of fresh inspiration, dynamism, and a sensual element of movement in her paintings.
A new work by Hanh Tran.
Hanh is not afraid to change in order to understand herself better through painting. Some people define and maintain a consistent style of painting, fearing that the audience will no longer recognize them if they change. Hanh Tran is the opposite. "Many people no longer want to talk to me since I changed my style. But perhaps, in art, if you stop creating, you are depriving yourself of the opportunity to discover yourself," she shared.
DRAWING FOR YOURSELF… OR DRAWING FOR SOMEONE ELSE?
Like many young artists just starting out, Hanh Tran also struggled with herself. There were periods when she "picked up a brush but didn't know what to paint," and she and many of her peers doubted their abilities. Even after officially engaging in full-time painting, she couldn't avoid losing or breaking down inspiration. The 1996-born artist confided: "I'm lucky because I understood that constant ups and downs, and I found ways to balance my emotions, creative passion, and self-care. Then I continued to seek new sources of inspiration for my work."
Hanh Tran always seeks ways to balance her energy and creative inspiration.
True artists would probably never compromise their artistic vision to please others, simply to "sell off" their work. It's perhaps not uncommon for artists, burdened by the struggle for survival, to prioritize their creative individuality over basic needs.
For Hanh Tran, artistic creation is an independent, natural process unaffected by external influences. "I remind myself to always pursue my artistic path in the most selfless way possible. Artists in general, and painters in particular, still need to make a living, but for Hanh, that's enough," the female painter confided.
The drawings are hung on all three walls of her creative room.
Talking to Hanh Tran, I sensed a positive and refreshing energy from this young artist. Besides being a full-time artist, Hanh Tran is also an art teacher, enthusiastically sharing her passion for painting with her students. For Hanh, each day is a new source of inspiration for living, working, and creating.
For Hanh, each day is a new source of inspiration for creativity.
Some of the exhibitions Hanh Tran has participated in:
- Group Exhibition 5+, 2023
- Young Artists Exhibition, 2023
- Buddhist Exhibition, 2023
- Group Exhibition “Going Out” | Season 4: "LOOK" at Thi Art Space, 2023
- Exhibition of Reports on the Results of the Creative Writing Camp and "New Compositions" 2023
- The "Young Perspectives" exhibition at Thi Art Space, 2023
- The Beauty of East Sea Exhibition, 2022
- National Young Artists Festival, 2022
- Binh Dinh Province Exhibition, 2022
- Sharing Love Exhibition, 2021
- Exhibition of Reports on the Results of the Creative Writing Camp and "New Compositions" 2021
- VI Young Artists' Competition, 2020
- National Young Artists Festival 2020
- New Creations Exhibition, 2020
- Germination - Reforestation Project Exhibition, 2020
- Group Exhibition “Graduation”, 2019
- 5th Young Artists' Competition, 2019
- Exhibition of Reports on the Results of the Creative Writing Camp and "New Compositions" 2019
Prize:
- UNICEF's Special Prize for the "Kindness is Contagious" Campaign
- Encouragement Award at the 2020 National Young Artists Festival
- Third prize at the 2022 National Young Artists Festival.
- Encouragement Award at the Binh Dinh Provincial Exhibition 2022
