The work uses lacquer materials combined with acid erosion techniques on aluminum alloy. The painting depicts the image of a group of workers jostling on the truck, expressing the spirit of solidarity and hidden corners in the journey of making a living of immigrants in the midst of urbanization.
The work stands out thanks to its emotional depth, contemporary techniques and strong social messages, and is assessed by the Jury as "a direct and sympathetic perspective on working life".
With this victory, Cao Van Thuc received a prize of 500 million VND and will represent Vietnam in the Southeast Asian tournament in Singapore next November.
In the Promising Artist category, the highest prize went to Nguyen Ngoc Thuan (53 years old, Binh Thuan) with the work "Self-painted Portrait, 2025 (a life rooted in me under the shadow of a tree)". The work is expressed in acrylic on fabric, inspired by the heart-breaking device (ICD) planted in the author's body, raising questions about human identity in the medical technology era.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards in the category of Famous Artist went to Vu Hoang with Real and Real 02, Tran Quoc Giang with The Four words on the Mekong River and Ngo Thanh Hung with Memories of the Earth.
In the Promising Artist category, the remaining awards went to Tran Viet Long (State of the Tire), Le Tan Chung (Seeds of the Seed) and Tran Van Hieu (Caf shop corner).
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr. Victor Ngo, representative of the organizing committee, said: "The artists have deeply reflected contemporary social life, while expressing the strong creativity of Vietnamese art".
The UOB Painting of the Year contest, initiated in 1982 in Singapore, is the oldest and most prestigious annual art award in Southeast Asia. 2025 marks the third time the contest has been held in Vietnam. The winning works were displayed at Chillala House of Art (HCMC) from October 10 to 27.
