Annam Gallery and Lân Tinh Foundation cordially invite the audience to explore the retrospective exhibition of the late artist Tú Duyên (1915-2012) – “Of Scented Reverie”. The exhibition showcases 18 artworks, including creations on silk alongside a series of paintings employing the renowned “Thủ Ấn Họa” technique (hand-stamped print) of the late artist Tú Duyên. "Of Scented Reverie" is inspired by the woodblock printing technique, combining the usage of hands to mix and layer varying intensities of colours. These techniques were meticulously researched and innovated by Tú Duyên under the name "Thủ Ấn Họa" over 80 years ago. “Of Scented Reverie” evokes a nostalgic, gentle, and poetic space, with aesthetic subjects including various flowers alongside beautiful Vietnamese women, gracefully adorned in traditional Áo Dài, accompanied by traditional musical instruments. Despite the passage of many years, the colours in the paintings remain vivid and capable of stirring the minds and emotions of viewers, as noted by journalist Văn Quang: "The colours of the artworks undergo true transformations, each change bringing about a unique fascination. Therefore, the viewer never feels visually fatigued." For the “Of Scented Reverie" exhibition, it can be said that the Lotus, the Sunflower, and the Lily are Tú Duyên's favourite flowers, recurring prominently in his paintings, depicted from various perspectives. There are budding Pink Lotuses stretching eagerly, awaiting their blossoming amidst a pond, or resilient and robust Sunflowers standing against the wind. Also featured is a vase of vibrant and lightly fragrant Lilies placed beside the solemn figure of the Buddha. These floral motifs symbolise beauty, elegance, and gentleness, reflecting the graceful and refined demeanour of Vietnamese women as portrayed skillfully by Tú Duyên via juxtaposing floral imagery with beautiful Vietnamese women clad in flowing Áo Dài in his paintings. In various settings, they seem to immerse themselves in old songs and melodies played on traditional Vietnamese musical instruments such as the 16-String Zither, the Moon Lute, or the Pipa – the representative instruments of Vietnamese traditional music.

Opening: Friday, March 01, 2024 at 6:30 PM

Exhibition dates: March 02 2024 to March 31 2024

Address: Annam Gallery | 371/4 Hai Ba Trung, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, HCMC

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday | 9 am - 8 pm

Exhibition with entrance fee: 70,000 VND/person