The work "Totem" by  the artist Dang Mau Tuu

As Tet approaches, the zodiac animal gallery would be held at the Song Nhu art gallery by the Thua Thien Hue Fine Arts Association and the artist Dang Mau Tuu. This gallery has been in operation for 20 years.

This year's gallery introduced to the public 28 works by 8 artists and 7 children on the theme of the Dragon, using mainly acrylic on canvas and lacquer.

The dragon is considered an unreal animal. No one has ever seen its true form, and the image of the dragon is only drawn and featured on architectural works according to the ancestors’ imagination. The works on display were no exceptions. As they were all drawn according to the painters’ personal imagination, the appearances of the dragons featured in their works were really varied.

According to the artist Dang Mau Tuu, the artists not only strived to bring the zodiac animal to life, but also offered some implications in search for sympathy, or simply a subtle smile. The artist also hoped that visitors would view the dragons of the artists at the exhibition differently than usual and that everyone would smile happily when they step out of the gallery.

The exhibition runs until February 24th.

By Dang Trinh