The "Promise of the Next Season" exhibition, featuring 70 distinctive cowhide paintings by Doctor Trinh Thang, is currently on display at two locations in Hanoi. Art enthusiasts can view the collection at Nha Trien Lam My Thuat Viet Nam (Ngo Quyen, Hanoi) from 10-26/5, and subsequently at Trung Tam Van Hoa Nghe Thuat (Hang Buom) from 29/5-21/6. The exhibition welcomes visitors daily from 9h to 20h. Key works include: Thanh Mau Man Nguyen, Nhu Lai Bo De, Hong Hoang Thanh To, Khong Hanh, Quan Thoi Vu, and Phap Ban.

At the exhibition's opening on 10/5, artist Trinh Thang noted the rarity of using cowhide for painting due to its unique properties. This material is absorbent, prone to bleeding, and challenging to control. Consequently, artists cannot make corrections or hesitate, requiring them to commit fully with their emotions and intuition.

The cowhide artworks are featured at the exhibition. Photo: Organizers

Explaining the exhibition's title, Doctor Trinh Thang clarified that "next season" refers not to a temporal period but to the subsequent stage of consciousness. It serves as a message for individuals on their journey of self-discovery. "It's not about repetition but about moving forward, without looking back. Just keep walking, keep moving, and then you will see," the artist shared.

The "Hong Hoang Ma Tinh" horse painting series, launched in march, was created immediately after the cowhide works, forming a natural continuation of the "Promise of the Next Season" journey. Trinh Thang emphasized this period as a time when his emotions and creative energy were powerfully unleashed, leading to a sense of freedom, innocence, and happiness in his art.

Doctor Trinh Thang discusses the cowhide material at the opening on 10/5. Photo: Organizers

This exhibition marks a new direction in Trinh Thang's artistic career, following previous projects like "Vo", "Rung Dong Tu Hu Vo", and "Hoi Tho Bo De". While earlier exhibitions explored forms and visual expressions, "Promise of the Next Season" delves more deeply into the feelings, rhythms, and states of consciousness of both the artist and the viewer.

The artist highlighted the contribution of his students as a significant aspect of this collection. Trinh Thang created the initial sketches, and his students applied the first layers of color. He then unified these elements into a cohesive whole. "Many pieces were completed in one day, without revisions, preserving the continuous flow of emotion throughout the creative process," Trinh Thang explained.

Mr. Trinh Thang introduces his students who participated in painting on cowhide with him. Photo: Organizers

Artist Luong Xuan Doan, Chairman of the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association, mentioned that Trinh Thang often confides in him about unusual ideas that constantly occupy his mind. Consequently, whenever Trinh Thang recalls these ideas, he "unleashes storms that powerfully impact your vision and mine."

"Promises with heaven, with people, have never been fully satisfied. This new endeavor on cowhide canvases is a percussive rhythm, like a spell, extending to distant, profound realms," artist Luong Xuan Doan further described.

Born in 1972 in Thai Binh, Trinh Thang holds a Doctor of Public Health degree in social and behavioral sciences from the University of North Carolina, United States. He has pursued diverse fields, from public health and education to social development. Additionally, he dedicates time to studying martial arts, qigong, meditation, and bio-energy.

Trinh Thang is also an author of books and poetry, and has organized several solo art exhibitions. In 2023, he released his memoir "Cham Vao Kailash – Nhung Cau Chuyen Thanh Linh" (Touching Kailash – Sacred Stories), which recounts his pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Kailash, an enigmatic and storied holy site within the Himalaya mountain range.

Hieu Chau