Accordingly, the exhibition "Layers of Memory" will take place from May 16 to 24 at the Vietnam Art Exhibition House (Hanoi). This is the second solo exhibition of Thai artist Vichit Nongnual in Vietnam, after "Asian Face" (2019).
In the flow of contemporary art in Southeast Asia, painter Vichit Nongnual is known for his ability to create a distinct visual language with many different practice methods. For him, painting is not a means of describing the observed world, but a mechanism of accumulation, layering and contemplation.
Paintings by artist Vichit Nongnual make a strong impression with their large size, transforming colors and dense patterns and symbols, making viewers realize the interesting lingering behind the immediate visual effects.
The exhibition "Layers of Memory" displays 32 large-sized works. These works aim to dialogue with the famous painters Vichit Nongnual and figures of world art history. There, his painting language further reveals his inner thoughts.
On this painting exhibition, a publication "Layers of Memory" by painter Tran Dai Thang. The bilingual Vietnamese - English book, translated by Jesse Peterson, is released in limited edition. This is the second publication of painter Tran Dai Thang, after "I Tell - Everything from Books".
Unlike the first book, which was a memoir about his life and career, in this second book, the author plays the role of a companion.
The publication introduces the creative journey, artistic concepts and typical works of painter Vichit Nongnual. The book consists of 3 chapters: "Layers of Memory"; "Artistic Concept" and "Art Story - The Story of Art.
Chapter 1 introduces the works of painter Vichit Nongnual at the exhibition. The author spent a lot of time chatting, observing and deeply reflecting on the art world as well as the life of painter Vichit Nongnual.
Chapter 2 introduces the passionate artistic journey of Vichit Nongnual - from a boy in a difficult family in southern Thailand, to passing the entrance exam to Silpakorn University - the most prestigious fine arts academy in the Land of the Golden Temple and becoming famous later.
Chapter 3 reviews the exhibitions that Vichit Nongnual has conducted and introduces articles by some art critics. Through this, the portrait of painter Vichit Nongnual appears more clearly through his creative journey and typical works.
Going beyond the role of a companion publication with the exhibition, "Layers of Memory" opens a journey to approach the art world of painter Vichit Nongnual from many perspectives - works, thoughts, memories and creative life.
Born in 1971, Vichit Nongnual is a prominent contemporary painter of Thailand, highly appreciated by collectors, gallery owners and art lovers around the world. After graduating with a degree in Ceramic Arts at Silpakorn University - the cradle of modern Thai art, he pursued his passion and made his mark in many fields of art, especially realistic portraits.
The important point in Vichit Nongnual's artistic practice lies in layered operation, where the portrait begins from a clear identity axis but is then continuously covered with color patches and patterns. This approach makes the image uncertain, turning the painting into a place where the present gaze clashes with past memories.
