The exhibition, named The Collector, marked the beginning of The Privilege Art Experience – an exclusive art experience series organized quarterly by VIB Privilege Banking for priority customers interested in art.

During the visit, the collection's owner personally introduced key artworks and shared information regarding their origin, preservation history, and transfers. Guests could ask questions and discuss collecting experiences, valuation methods, and historical stories associated with each painting.

Customers admiring the artwork "Khan quang xanh". Photo: VIB.

The centerpiece of the program was "Khan quang xanh", a silk painting measuring 30,5 x 22 cm by renowned artist Mai Trung Thu. The painting depicts an East Asian maiden with soft lines, a light color palette, and the artist's characteristic handling of the medium.

According to Viet Art View (Vietnam Art Research and Data Organization), the artwork appeared in an exhibition by Mai Trung Thu in Algeria in the early 1940s. Subsequent generations continued to preserve the painting until a Vietnamese collector acquired it and brought it back to the country, concluding its nearly eight-decade journey abroad.

Customers listening to introductions about the artworks. Photo: VIB.

Beyond its silk painting technique, the ownership history, or provenance, is a factor that draws collector interest to "Khan quang xanh". In fine arts, the process of an artwork being owned, preserved, and transferred through various periods is commonly referred to as provenance.

This information helps researchers determine historical context, verify origin, and better understand an artwork's value. Therefore, collectors are interested not only in the image on the canvas but also in past owners, where the work has appeared, and how it has been preserved across generations.

At The Collector, the collector stated that the decision to bring "Khan quang xanh" back to Vietnam stemmed not only from its aesthetic value. The painting is also linked to Mai Trung Thu, King Ham Nghi, and a period of Vietnamese art history abroad.

The artwork "Khan quang xanh". Photo: VIB.

From the painting's story, the discussion expanded to experiences in verifying provenance, valuing, and selecting artworks. Guests also discussed the long-term potential of painting to preserve cultural, historical, and asset value.

This topic is gaining increasing interest among collectors in Asia. In recent years, several Indochinese paintings have been traded for millions of USD at international auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's. Beyond artistic value, clear provenance and historical narratives often influence valuation.

The Collector was organized in small groups, allowing guests ample time to observe and interact directly with the collector. This format enabled participants to approach the artworks from multiple perspectives, rather than simply viewing paintings and reading introductory information.

Through The Privilege Art Experience, VIB aims to expand priority customer benefits to activities aligning with their interests and lifestyles. The program series also creates a space for individuals with shared interests to meet, exchange knowledge, and form new connections.

Other artworks in the exhibition room. Photo: VIB.

In addition to art, VIB Privilege Banking is implementing programs for priority customers in golf, travel, dining, and healthcare. VIB Visa Signature cardholders also receive unlimited airport lounge access, subject to the bank's conditions.

These activities are integrated with financial solutions designed for individual wealth management needs. Customers can learn more about VIB Privilege Banking and related benefits on the bank's website.

Hoang Dan

Learn more about VIB Privilege Banking – a flexible financial solution system designed for individual wealth management needs here.

Upon becoming a VIB Privilege Banking member, customers receive a handcrafted silk scarf featuring a water-print design, accompanied by a scarf ring adorned with Swarovski stones imported from Austria. According to VIB, this gift set is designed to personalize the experience. Premier-tier customers also receive a limited-edition gold-plated metal Signature card.