Exhibition of the winning artworks and finalists from UOB Painting of the Year Vietnam (2024)

    • Painting of the Year 2024Painting of the Year 2024

    Exhibition Information

    The 2nd UOB Painting of the Year Vietnam (2024) exhibition held in Ho Chi Minh City aims to promote Vietnamese art and to introduce the talented artists of UOB Painting of the Year to a wider audience passionate about the arts. 

    The exhibition showcases 7 award-winning artworks from the 2nd UOB Painting of the Year in Vietnam, along with other remarkable finalist artworks from the competition. 

    The artworks vary in forms of expression, including coal, rice flour and glue on canvas; lacquer on wood; burn wood, watercolour on silk, etc. Each piece conveys profound messages about humanity, culture, and contemporary society. 

     

    Date & Time 

     

    From 8:00AM to 5:00PM 
    5 October 2024 to 20 October 2024

     

    Location 

     

    1st Floor Lobby - Museum of Ho Chi Minh City 

    65 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

     

    Showcased Artworks

    7 Winning Artworks of UOB Painting of the Year Vietnam (2024)  

     

     

    Dòng Chảy | Flow - Nguyen Viet Cuong 

    UOB Painting of the Year Award, Established Artist Category 

    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 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. 

     

     

    Xếp Máy Bay | Folding Paper Planes – Nguyen Van He

    Gold Award, Established Artist Category 

    The artwork stems from the life experiences of an artist born and raised in the war zone of Hoa My, Hue, 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, a graduate of 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.

     

     

    Xâm Thực | Encroachment – Ngo Van Sac

    Silver Award, Established Artist Category

    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, a graduate of 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.

     

     

    Đường Trở Về | The Journey Home – Le Viet Trung

    Bronze Award, Established Artist Category 

    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 is currently a lecturer at the 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.

     

     

    Doraeco – Phan Tu Tran

    Most Promising Artist of the Year, Emerging Artist Category

    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 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. 

     

     

    Vùng Sống | Living Realm - Nguyen Van Trinh

    Gold Award, Emerging Artist Category 

    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 fondly referred to as "Trinh lua" (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. 

     

     

    Nhật Ký 2024 | Diary 2024 – Nguyen Duc Niem

    Silver Award, Emerging Artist Category 

    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: Niem 25 To: Niem 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 is a young artist who graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the 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. 

     

    Quý Cô Trong Vườn 16 | Lady in the Garden 16 – Nguyen The Hung

    Established Artist Category 

    Inspired by pin-up art, the artist blends model imageries from posters and lifestyle magazines with decorative motifs from Vietnam’s architectural history. The geometric lines, echoing Western influences, intertwine with the soft curves of Eastern design, skillfully creating layers of distinct spatial dimensions. This fusion reflects the ongoing convergence and tension between traditional and modern elements, highlighting their influence on social values and core attitudes. This process stirs reflection on cultural, social, and moral quality, fueling the artist's creative energy.

     

     

    Đối Diện | Confrontation - Luu Tuyen

    Established Artist Category  

    The artwork centres on the search for historical, cultural, and heritage identities that are gradually fading in contemporary life. The artist uses an old mirror to recreate and blend the image of "Chinh Bac Mon" -  the Northern Gate of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - with the bullet hole in its wall, a wound of history, as the focal point. The contrasting colour palette and metaphysical spatial expression evoke a shifting, dream-like state of memory. This work engages in a dialogue with collective memory, where the past and the present coexist, urging viewers to reflect on how they face their cultural legacy. 

     

     

    Sự Biến Đổi | Transformation - Huynh Tien Thinh

    Established Artist Category  

    The alternating black and white forms create a sense of a vast, expansive space. At first glance, the foreground appears to depict the remnants and ruins left in the aftermath of a storm. The midground shifts between the rolling waves moving forward and a distant mountain range, shrouded in mist, with trees swaying in the gusts of wind. This grand space is pierced by streaks of light descending from above, signalling the impending changes on the horizon.

     

     

    Nét Cọ Mưu Sinh | Brushstrokes of Survival - Dinh Trong Hai 

    Established Artist Category 

    This realistic artwork portrays the life of an artist caught in between the demands of creative labour and family responsibilities. The weary, furrowed face of the painter conveys a sense of helplessness amidst arduous circumstances: she is painting while also tending to her two young children - both tasks requiring full concentration. Despite the large canvas, the composition is cramped, jamming a host of living and non-living objects into a confined space thus intensifying the stifling atmosphere. The viewer is drawn into such tension, almost as if seated in the same room, holding their breath and watching the artist’s every movement. 

     

     

    F6 [Sàn Giao Dịch Bất Động Sản] | F6 [Real Estate Exchange] - Pham Ha Ninh

    Established Artist Category 

    This artwork is part of a long-term project titled “Our Land” (2017 - present), where the artist creates an imaginary world governed by rules distinct from any existing cultures in human history. The work belongs to a collection of maps representing this fictional land. Inspired by the artist’s personal experience of searching for land to rent for a studio on the outskirts of Hanoi, it illustrates the complexities of land transfer across generations. The use of blurred ink and airbrush effects symbolises the constant transformation and movement, aiming to produce an artwork that shifts and evolves, offering a new experience each time it is viewed. 

     

     

    Thiên Sứ | Angel - Nguyen Duc Nghia

    Emerging Artist Category 

    As supernatural beings in service to higher faiths, angels are often depicted in human form with mighty wings, symbolising the blessings they bestow upon humanity. However, the artist presents a different image: an oversized, plump angel with tiny wings, pulled down by a fishhook. This serves as a profound metaphor for temptation, suggesting that even celestial beings, entrusted with noble duties, can be ensnared by worldly desires and material pursuits.

     

     

    Đi Vào Giấc Ngủ | Going In My Sleep - Bach Vu

    Emerging Artist Category 

    Blending abstract and figurative vocabularies, this work draws inspiration from classical and neoclassical styles. It delves into a primordial forest, tracing remnants of collective memory that predate the rise of civilisations, akin to a dream of endless explorations in the human subconscious. In this expansive and enigmatic realm, humans are not the central figures but rather integral parts of a vast, mysterious world. Within this space, collective memory harbours the belief that wounds will heal, shame will be forgiven, and the burdens of existence will be lifted.

     

     

    Cấu Trúc Của Nỗi Cô Đơn | The Structure of Solitude - Linh Lưu

    Emerging Artist Category

    In a semi-abstract style, this work captures the artist's perception of life in the modern city. The towering skyscrapers, bustling apartment blocks and dazzling lights create a facade of luxury and grandeur. Yet, beneath this glittering exterior lies a profound emptiness, a disconnection from genuine emotions. The artist conveys this personal sense of solitude through the delicate interplay of simple shapes and colours, crafting a scene that is both resonating and reflective.

    The UOB Painting of the Year is the flagship art programme of UOB, first held in Singapore in 1982 with the aim of recognising artists in the Southeast Asian region and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their artworks to a wider audience. The competition later expanded to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and in 2023, to Vietnam. It is the longest-running art competition in Singapore and one of the most prestigious competitions in the Southeast Asian region. Since its inception, the competition has discovered over 1,000 artistic talents across the region. 

    Following the success of the first year in Vietnam, UOB Painting of the Year (2024) has been held for the second year in Vietnam, and has attracted the participation of numerous young and professional artists from all over the country. The competition honored 7 talented Vietnamese artists in two categories: Established Artist and Emerging Artist. The highest award, the UOB Painting of the Year, went to Artist Nguyen Viet Cuong with his work "Dòng Chảy" (Flow), while the Most Promising Artist award was given to Phan Tu Tran for her piece "Doraeco”. 

    According to the CEO of UOB Vietnam, Victor Ngo, “As a leading patron of the arts in Asia, we aspire to foster an environment conducive to the discovery and growth of Vietnamese artists, making art more accessible and inspiring the next generation of talent. Through the competition, we want to continue uncovering and nurturing artistic talents, and showcase their works to a wider community in Vietnam and across the region”. 

    "This competition is a valuable opportunity for artists, especially young ones, to showcase their talents and learn about new and modern art styles." - Chief judge and artist Dang Xuan Hoa shared. 

    In addition to the UOB Painting of the Year (2024), UOB Vietnam also organised Art Talks in Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City, creating a platform to access and to share about art for the local art community and students pursuing arts, while also providing opportunities for younger art enthusiasts to be inspired by experts and leading artists. 

    The UOB Painting of the Year (2025) is scheduled to kick off its third year in Vietnam in May 2025, continuing to provide a platform for Vietnamese artists, especially undiscovered talents, to shine and further develop their careers both domestically and regionally. 

    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 42 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. 

    For inquiries or partnership opportunities regarding UOB Painting of the Year, please contact us: UOBPOYVN@UOBgroup.com