Unique artwork using coal and rice on canvas wins 2nd UOB Painting of the Year award in Vietnam

      Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2 October 2024 – UOB Vietnam presented its second UOB Painting of the Year (UOB POY) award to artist Nguyen Viet Cuong for his artwork titled “Dòng Chảy - Flow”. The second UOB POY Awards Ceremony in Vietnam was held today in Ho Chi Minh City and livestreamed on UOB Vietnam’s Facebook page. The event was graced by Mr Ma The Anh, Head of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition Department from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vietnam.

      As the top winner in the Established Artist Category, Nguyen Viet Cuong will receive a cash reward of VND 500 million and compete with the winning artists from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand for the prestigious 2024 UOB Southeast Asian POY award. The UOB Southeast Asian POY will be announced on 13 November 2024 at an awards ceremony in Singapore.

      Mr Victor Ngo, CEO of UOB Vietnam, shared, “We are thrilled that the second UOB POY competition in Vietnam continues to attract the attention and participation of artists and art enthusiasts nationwide. This is evident in the significant increase in both the quantity and quality of submissions we received this year. UOB POY has played a pivotal role in unveiling the immense potential of Vietnamese artists, while also driving the ongoing development of Vietnamese visual art. The success we have seen over the last two years inspires us to continue elevating the competition for years to come, alongside our other community outreach initiatives across the region, all aimed at building a sustainable and prosperous future for ASEAN."

      The UOB POY competition was first established in 1982 in Singapore and is now one of the most recognised art competitions in Southeast Asia. The competition uncovers Southeast Asian artists and offers them the opportunity to showcase their works to a wider community regionally. Expanding to Vietnam last year, UOB’s flagship art competition reinforces the Bank’s long-term commitment to supporting art and artists in the region.

      Artist Nguyen Viet Cuong clinches 2024 UOB POY (Vietnam) award, Established Artist Category

       

      "Dòng Chảy - Flow" by artist Nguyen Viet Cuong awarded UOB POY award for the second UOB POY (Vietnam), Established Artist Category

       

      Through "Dòng Chảy – Flow", artist Nguyen Viet Cuong masterfully uses two indigenous materials, coal and rice, to depict the story of Vietnam’s natural resources. The artist meticulously processed, cleaned and crushed coal into gravel before sifting and sprinkling it over the canvas surface. The rice was ground into flour, mixed with adhesive and funnelled to form flowing shapes cascading over the black coal. The resulting contemporary ink wash landscape form a poetic dialogue between black and white, evoking the ethereal beauty of stalactites in Vietnam’s natural caves.

      Viet Cuong explained, "Quang Ninh coal represents the industrial minerals of the Red River Delta in the North, while rice symbolises the agricultural products of the Mekong Delta in the South. This artwork reflects my personal perspective as a son of rural southern Vietnam, having witnessed the rhythms of industrial and agricultural life. Unlike traditional ink wash paintings on paper or silk, which are light and delicate, my work harnesses the physical weight of rice and coal to convey the depth of the concept. I hope my work inspires viewers to reflect on the profound impact of wet-rice agriculture and heavy industries on the natural environment and cultural traditions."

      Artist Dang Xuan Hoa, Chief Judge for the second UOB POY in Vietnam, shared, "This year’s winning piece is truly unique in its choice of materials and mode of expression. It introduces a fresh approach to contemporary art while preserving the essence of painting. The two materials, black coal and white rice, are natural elements that embody the vitality, spirit, and soul of the Vietnamese people. The artist presents a deeply emotional and insightful perspective along with a mastery of the mediums he used. I believe this work excels both in form and expression, and is deserving of this year’s top prize."

      Ms Phan Tu Tran wins the 2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Vietnam), Emerging Artist Category

       

      "Doraeco" by artist Phan Tu Tran, 2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Vietnam), Emerging Artist Category

       

      In the Emerging Artist Category, artist Phan Tu Tran took home the 2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Vietnam) award with artwork "Doraeco". The artwork consists of six playing cards laid out on a casino table, each projecting a different facet of ecological pollution: Earth (Jack of Diamonds), Water (Queen of Hearts), Air (King of Spades), and Energy (Queen of Clubs). The Joker card, depicting Doraemon in a state of confusion, symbolises the conflict between technological advancement and environmental consequences. The final card, yet to be revealed, embodies an uncertain future for the next generation, who will inherit both the achievements and burdens left by their predecessors.

      "I was pleasantly surprised and honoured to win the Most Promising Artist of the Year award in Vietnam. This is a significant recognition of my creative efforts and a powerful motivation to continue pursuing my artistic journey. Through 'Doraeco', I aim to raise awareness about protecting the environment and preserving the shared ecosystem of humanity, working toward a green, clean, and sustainable future. With this award and the broad, professional platform provided by the UOB POY competition, I am confident that my message can reach a wider community."

      The winning artworks from the Established and Emerging Artist Categories of the second UOB POY (Vietnam) competition are on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Ho Chi Minh City. The exhibition is open to the public with free admission from 5 October until 20 October 2024, from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

      UOB’s involvement in art started in the 1970s with its collection of paintings by Singapore artists. Today, the UOB Art Collection has more than 2,600 artworks, made up primarily of paintings from established and emerging Southeast Asian artists.

      UOB plays an active role in communities across the region, most notably through its long-term commitment to art. As the leading patron of the arts in Asia, the Bank continues to make art accessible to a wider audience through a diverse range of visual art programmes, partnerships and community outreach across the region.

      The Bank’s flagship art programme is the UOB Painting of the Year competition, which was started in 1982 to recognise Southeast Asian artists and to offer them the opportunity to showcase their works to the wider community. The competition was extended to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and in 2023, to Vietnam. It is now the longest running art competition in Singapore and one of the most prestigious in Southeast Asia.

      Over the past 40 years, the competition has cultivated and advanced the careers of many artists in Singapore. Notable among them are Mr Goh Beng Kwan (1982 winner), and the late Mr Anthony Poon (1983 winner) and Mr Chua Ek Kay (1991 winner), who received the Singapore Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s most distinguished art award.

      The competition has also recognised talents from across the region through the UOB Southeast Asian POY award. Previous winners include Chomrawi Suksom from Thailand in 2022, Mr Saiful Razman from Malaysia in 2021, Mr Prabu Perdana from Indonesia in 2020, Mr Anagard from Indonesia in 2019, Mr Suvi Wahyudianto from Indonesia in 2018.

      Together with the UOB POY winning artists, UOB also runs art workshops for underprivileged and special needs children regularly. At these workshops, the young learn art techniques from art professionals and award-winning artists.

      In recognition of the Bank’s long-term commitment to art, UOB was presented with the Singapore National Arts Council’s Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award for the 20th consecutive year in 2023.

      UOB Vietnam commenced operations officially on 2 July 2018. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UOB, a leading bank in Asia with a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

      UOB has been in Vietnam for 30 years, started from a representative office in 1993 and became the first Singapore bank to launch a branch in the country in 1995. Today, UOB Vietnam offers a range of personal and institutional financial services to both Vietnamese and overseas customers across the country backed by the seamless connectivity offered through UOB’s regional network. In 2019, UOB Vietnam expanded into northern Vietnam with a branch in Hanoi. With the completion of the acquisition of Citibank Vietnam’s consumer banking business early 2023, UOB now has a total five branches in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi.

      For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

      The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

      Name: Vu Nguyen Hoang Yen

      Strategic Communications and Brand

      Email: vu.nguyenhoangyen@uobgroup.com

      Tel: 077 694 6574

      Name: Pham Tieu Giang

      Strategic Communications and Brand

      Email: pham.tieugiang@uobgroup.com

      Tel: 0937 813 613

      Established Artist Category

      1. UOB POY Award

       

      “Flow”

      Artist: Nguyen Viet Cuong

      The artwork employs two native materials - Quang Ninh coal and rice flour from the Mekong Delta - to tell the story of Vietnam’s natural resources through the lens of North-South industrial and agricultural production. The artist skillfully combines these materials to create a contemporary ink-wash landscape, with abstract effects resembling stalactite formations, emphasising the dialogue between black and white, light and shadow. This is a grand narrative about the intersection of industry and agriculture, and their impact on the natural landscape and local cultural practices.

      About the artist

      Nguyen Viet Cuong (b. 1989) grew up in Kien Giang and graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. His aesthetic sensibility intertwines with contemporary themes, using materials as a means to engage in dialogue with reality. With a spirit of resistance to dualism and a belief in the natural flow of things, Cuong continues to craft new narratives from raw materials, which are deeply embedded in the collective memory and everyday life of bustling Saigon and Vietnam as a whole, evoking reflection and introspection.

       

      2. Gold Award

       

      “Folding Paper Planes”

      Artist: Nguyen Van He

      the war zone of Hòa Mỹ, Huế, where childhood games were intertwined with the traumas of mine-sweeping for survival. The artist meticulously collects wartime remnants - pieces of plywood, before sanding, cutting, and reshaping them into the innocent image of paper planes. The traces of war manifest through layers of paint, metal, and mottled patterns, conveying a profound message about the irrevocable loss of an innocent childhood.

      About the artist

      Nguyen Van He (b. 1981), a graduate from the University of Arts, Hue University, is a contemporary artist. Having grown up in the post-war era, he reflects on the emotions and thoughts of the next generation, questioning the cyclical nature of conflict and war. His practice spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, performance, and installation. With great dedication, he collects fragments and ruins from former military zones and local ruins, infusing them into his work to explore these complex themes.

       

      3. Silver Award

       

      “Encroachment”

      Artist: Ngo Van Sac

      The work explores the artist's experiences during field trips along the coast of Vietnam, where he witnessed the sea encroachment, deforestation, and the impact of hydropower dam constructions on the Mekong River. Utilising techniques of cutting and burning wood panels combined with painting and printing, the artist creates a multi-dimensional image that reflects the complex relationship between humanity and nature. The imagery of waves and people from various regions intertwines, mirroring nature's resistance while questioning how humanity treats the environment.

      About the artist

      Ngo Van Sac (b. 1980), a graduate from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, has shaped a unique artistic style through his wood-burning technique. Unsatisfied with his initial wood paintings, he decided to burn them, and in doing so, discovered a new artistic direction. The fusion of fire and wood has allowed him to express powerful and profound emotions.

       

      4. Bronze Award

       

      “The Journey Home”

      Artist: Le Viet Trung

      During a visit to their homeland, the artist reclines on the sandy shore, allowing their mind to drift into reflections on life and death, ultimately architecting a portrait of themselves. The water enveloping the wild grasses subtly reveals a human silhouette: the face tilted to the left, identity obscured, limbs relaxed and at ease. Each meticulous brushstroke captures every blade of grass and branch, merging in a gentle green hue, like a symphony of life that evokes the eternal cycle of existence, where human life intertwines with the clean and clear stream.

      About the artist

      Le Viet Trung (b. 1982) is currently a lecturer at University of Arts, Hue University. His artistic practice focuses primarily on silk, employing intricate silk-dyeing and resist techniques. His work revolves around the simple beauty of nature and people, capturing delicate, dreamy, and introspective emotions.

       

      Emerging Artist Category

      1. Most Promising Artist of the Year Award

       

      “Doraeco”

      Artist: Phan Tu Tran

      The artwork consists of six playing cards laid out on a casino table, each projecting a different facet of ecological pollution: Earth (Jack of Diamonds), Water (Queen of Hearts), Air (King of Spades), and Energy (Queen of Clubs). The Joker card, depicting Doraemon in a state of confusion, symbolises the conflict between technological advancement and environmental consequences. The final card, yet to be revealed, embodies an uncertain future for the next generation, who will inherit both the achievements and burdens left by their predecessors.

      About the artist

      Phan Tu Tran (b. 1990) began her career as an illustrator and now primarily practises art through a derivative style, creating new concepts and layers from familiar imageries. She focuses on experimenting with new materials to tell light-hearted, everyday stories to the public.

       

      2. Gold Award

       

      “Living Realm”

      Artist: Nguyen Van Trinh

      The artwork employs traditional techniques of deep silk dyeing combined with the distinctive method of painting with textured pigments on giang (a type of bamboo) paper resulting in a unique surface effect. The artist constructs an imagined world within a fictional reality, existing alongside a real world which is already in the throes of decay and destruction. It is a multidimensional galaxy, stretching infinitely in deep, verdant blues, where primordial beings exist and interact with one another.

      About the artist

      Nguyen Van Trinh (b. 1991), fondly referred to as "Trinh lụa" (Silk Trinh) within the art world, has dedicated himself to the exploration of silk and giang paper since graduating from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. Through his delicate use of pigments and watercolour, he weaves together elements of realism, impressionism, and surrealism, seeking to unearth the unpredictable nature of art. In doing so, Trinh paints a vivid tapestry of the complex emotions that shape his journey through contemporary life.

       

      3. Silver Award

       

      “Diary 2024”

      Artist: Nguyen Duc Niem 

      Inspired by the intimate revelations hidden within the artist’s personal journal, the work features a layer of blue paint concealing an envelope—a metaphor for the unresolved issues and secrets that remain obscured or overwritten. The envelope bears the inscription "From: Niệm 25 To: Niệm 24", a poignant message from the artist to their past self, evoking a sense of nostalgia for moments that have slipped away. The letters and numbers are rendered in a personal cipher, embodying the artist’s desire to articulate their innermost thoughts, even if they remain enigmatic and elusive.

      About the artist

      Nguyen Duc Niem (b. 1999) is a young artist who graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from University of Arts, Hue University in 2022. His work delves into historical relics and familiar everyday scenes, through which he intertwines and infuses personal expressions into his creations.

      UOB Vietnam Newsroom

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