On the morning of 14/11, at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, Nguyen Duong Tra Mi, 23, received a trophy, certificate, and a 1,500 EUR (approximately 45,9 million VND) prize for her lacquer painting "Con Lai". The artwork served as her graduation project from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, specializing in lacquer painting.

Tra Mi began sketching the painting early in the year and started execution around march-april. In her work, she depicts stone horse statues, civil mandarins, and military mandarins found in Hue's royal tombs, symbolizing the past. From these figures, a large mass of trees emerges, with intertwined and overlapping branches, creating the impression that old images are gradually dissolving into space, leaving behind the solitary statues. Through this piece, Tra Mi conveys her thoughts on the existence and current value of old artifacts, expressing her appreciation for the past.

"Con Lai", measuring 100x200 cm. Photo: Provided by subject

During the process, Tra Mi received guidance from Doctor Trieu Khanh Tien, along with support from lecturers at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts and her classmates. The painting was highly praised for its message and the artist's skillful use of lacquer on a large canvas. Tra Mi stated her fondness for lacquer due to its rich expressive potential, its ability to bridge tradition and modernity, and its capacity to reveal the artist's individuality.

The organizers also presented six Victor Tardieu equal prizes to the following artworks: "An" (Tran Thi Hoi, silk), "Dong Co Thien Than" (Tong Tien Dat, oil on canvas), "Tiep Noi" (Nguyen Duc Nghia, ceramics), "Toi" (Trinh Thu Van, graphic installation), "TVC Quang Cao Game Tieng Goi Ha Long" (Nguyen Phuong Anh, graphic design), and "Chuong Trinh Thuong Nhat" (Dinh Thanh Truc, oil on canvas, two paintings). Each student winner received a certificate and a 500 EUR (approximately 15 million VND) prize.

Dang Thi Phong Lan, rector of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts (left), presents a certificate and trophy to Nguyen Duong Tra Mi. Photo: Phuong Linh

The award was established in june to recognize outstanding graduation projects, encourage creativity, and continue the artistic traditions of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. The jury comprised 9 to 11 members, including representatives from the board of rectors, heads of specialized departments, and representatives from Millon Vietnam auction house and A&V Foundation, operating under secret ballot principles.

According to the organizers, winning graduation projects must demonstrate creativity, aesthetic value, high technical skill, and a distinct personal mark. In addition to certificates and cash prizes, the artworks will be exhibited in Hanoi and have the opportunity to be showcased at an art center in Paris, France.

French painter Victor Tardieu (1870-1937) was the first rector of the Indochina Fine Arts College and is considered the founder of modern Vietnamese fine arts. During his 16 years living and working there (1921-1937), he contributed to training famous painters such as Nguyen Phan Chanh, Le Pho, and Mai Trung Thu.

The Victor Tardieu Award is part of a series of activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Indochina Fine Arts College, now the Vietnam University of Fine Arts (1925-2025). Alongside the award ceremony, an exhibition featuring 150 paintings, depicting the school's developmental stages, runs from 14 to 22/11 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

Phuong Linh