VI
EN
Ha Minh was born in 1994 and currently lives and works in Hanoi. She began studying painting by familiarizing herself with classical techniques and methods based on the study of the human form drawn from life. She studied color by observing natural forms and landscapes, combining this with the inspiration she received from the human form.
With the theme "Ouroboros," artist Ha Minh's first solo exhibition also marks beginnings and endings, appearing in many different ways. The series of works displayed at the exhibition were created over a three-year period, a very special time in her life. "Ouroboros" opens a fresh chapter, the conclusion of an initial creative phase in artist Ha Minh's artistic journey.
Ouroboros is the first solo exhibition by artist Ha Minh, marking beginnings and endings, appearing in many different ways. (Photo: Work Room Four)
The Ouroboros is a circular symbol depicting a snake or dragon swallowing its own tail. Originating from ancient alchemy, this symbol represents the cycle of birth and death.
As a transgender artist who came to painting through self-study, Ha Minh is always driven by creativity through independent drawing research, mostly painting scenes from life in order to develop her sharp artistic abilities.
She began her artistic practice by drawing and sketching only male subjects. Gradually, under her brushstrokes, these forms began to take on androgynous forms. This allowed her to feel more comfortable exploring queer (multisexuality) in the colors and concepts of her works, or expressing her feminine side through art.
Painting "Alone in Antarctica"
"Lean in my arms"
A series of portraits of Teddy bears.
The exhibition brings together many individual works: sketches of various sizes, a series of drafts from sketchbooks, and, at the center, a series of portraits of Teddy bears. These were created during the period of social isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The portraits revolve around a very personal and intimate subject: the artist's teddy bear. Due to social distancing hindering her usual creative work, which involves painting human figures, the female artist has turned to painting simple objects around her to maintain her creative practice.
Ha Minh began his career in painting by familiarizing himself with classical techniques and methods based on studies of the human form drawn from real life. (Photo: Work Room Four)
Therefore, according to artist Ha Minh, the "inanimate" Teddy bear became her poetic inspiration, model, silent witness, and confidant. This object helped her navigate the complexities of life, dedicating herself to creativity independently, in a conservative and sometimes hostile family environment, as a young transgender woman.
The interconnected series of paintings creates a magical, childhood-like space, a place where the artist can reflect on herself, confront and accept her female identity, highlighting the prominent position of a queer artist today. This exhibition is incredibly special to Ha Minh because she feels like she is once again openly revealing her gender identity, this time not to the world but to herself: "As a woman in this world, you'll be fine, and things will even get better, so don't worry too much."
A simple desire to be loved, accepted, and understood is present throughout the works of artist Ha Minh.
Painting "Underworld"
Nature paintings
Ha Minh's works are formed through her creative instincts, aiming to create a space that liberates her from childhood losses, where she can freely pursue her dreams, her sexual orientation, and the multifaceted nature of humanity...
Artist Ha Minh stated that her works explore themes of form and chaos, shape and abstraction, full and negative space, light and shadow, harmonious and conflicting colors. She aims for a balance between opposites, yin and yang, male and female, to reflect the life journey of a transgender artist.
The work "A Cat Named Kyle"
The artwork "The Teddy Bear Eater"
Ha Minh has participated in numerous Art For You art exhibitions and group exhibitions at Work Room Four since 2018. Additionally, her works have been displayed in Hanoi Art Connecting 5 at Vincom Contemporary Art Center, Hanoi (2022), Artistic Anatomy - Vinschool Central Park, Hanoi University of Architecture (2023), Earth Body Blood Water - Nha Song Project, Hanoi and Ruc Ra Ruc Rich - 11 Toong spaces in Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang & Toong Gold Coast Nha Trang (2020).
The Ouroboros exhibition will take place from April 7-25, 2023 at Work Room Four, 31, Lane 67, To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi.
