The exhibition space "Son ta Son tich" within the framework of the "Touching Crafts of the Old Quarter 2026" activities opens up a visual journey imbued with traditional materials.
Taking Vietnamese lacquer - a local tree resin - as the center, the works are not only fine art products but also the crystallization of time, technique and cultural memories.
Lacquer paintings made of lacquer bring a general look at the intersection between tradition and modernity.
From the flower still life painting with prominent red tones on a deep black background to the abstract round work rich in rhythm, the common point easily noticeable is the multi-layer coating - grinding technique that creates a characteristic depth. The color is not flat but has a spreading effect, shining from the inside, clearly showing the imprint of traditional Vietnamese lacquer material.
The highlight is the characteristic color palette of tan paint: lipstick red, dark black and gold-plated. These colors not only create a strong visual effect but also show the depth of the material through the polishing layers. The surface of the artifact has gloss, interspersed with traces of time, showing the process of use or restoration, thereby clarifying the durable value of tan paint in life.
Through this experimental table, viewers can clearly visualize the characteristic coating - grinding technique: each layer of paint is coated, then gradually grinded to reveal the layers below, creating visual depth and the feeling of "color in substance" instead of on the surface.
At the same time, the appearance of streaks, slight cracks or uneven effects shows the naturalness and difficulty of completely controlling ta-pain, which makes up the uniqueness of each work.
In the center are cake-shaped material blocks (possibly paint or additives), surrounded by a diverse system of tools: bay, knife, wiper, grinder, fountain pen and sandpaper. Each type serves a separate stage - from mixing, coating, shaping to grinding and surface finishing.
In particular, lacquer strips of different sizes reflect multi-layer grinding techniques - the most important step to create the characteristic depth of lacquer.
The exhibition space attracts a large number of visitors. People who are attached to and understand traditional art are particularly interested in lacquer works.
Each layer of color, elaborately and meticulously polished surface shows the persistent attraction of this painting genre in contemporary life.
The exhibition "Sơn ta sử tích" takes place until the end of May 20th within the framework of the Hanoi Old Quarter Craft Touching Cultural Activity 2026 at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center.
