Have you ever looked up at a family altar or stepped into an assembly hall and noticed vibrant, shimmering paintings created directly on glass? Glass painting (Tranh kiếng) was once a common sight, deeply integrated into the spiritual and daily lives of people in the South. However, this unique art form has been quietly receding from the view of modern life.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Sài Gòn Vi Vu art project, the thematic exhibition “Nam Sử Họa Kiếng” has officially launched as a moment of reflection and tribute to this heritage.
The exhibition brings together over 30 original and reconstructed works produced between 1900 and 1960. It offers a seamless narrative across time: from devotional folk icons of the past to modern-day preservation efforts and the potential for future continuation. Here, you do not just view paintings; you touch layers of cultural memory, aesthetics, and the spiritual life unique to the Southern land.
EVENT INFORMATION
- Address: Annam Gallery, 371/4 Hai Ba Trung Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Duration: May 2 – May 31, 2026 (09:00 AM – 08:00 PM daily).
- Entrance Fee: 50,000 VND per person.
(Photo: Annam Gallery)
Experience Highlights
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A Special Milestone: This landmark exhibition is organized to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the "Sài Gòn Vi Vu" art project.
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Gathering Over 30 Historical Artworks: The showcase features a rare collection of original and meticulously restored reverse glass paintings dating from 1900 to 1960.
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Honoring the "Inside-Out" Technique: Visitors can explore the unique craftsmanship of reverse glass painting—a fascinating art form where foreground details are meticulously painted first, followed by successive layers of background colors.
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A Tapestry of Culture and Beliefs: The exhibition serves as an authentic lens reflecting the spiritual life, daily lifestyle, and aesthetic taste of Southern Vietnamese people during the first half of the 20th century. The collection spans from rustic, soulful folk altar paintings to highly sophisticated Hue imperial court mirror paintings.
Featured Masterpieces on Display
The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to admire iconic masterpieces that define the gold standard of the reverse glass painting genre:
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"Quần Kê Đồ" (The Gathering of Roosters – 1990s): This piece showcases a rare creative style by the late, highly talented artisan Luong An, masterfully blending the fluid spirit of traditional ink wash painting with the precision of reverse Chinese calligraphy on glass.
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"24 Vị Chư Thiên" (The 24 Devas – Cho Lon Style, 1960s): A monumental masterpiece measuring nearly 2.5 meters in length, vividly depicting the Buddhist guardian deity system with vibrant colors and a deeply solemn composition.
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Guan Yu (Quan Công) and Earth God (Ông Địa) Paintings: Exceptional, characteristic artworks brought to life through the brilliant brushstrokes of artisan Tran Van Nhanh.
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"Ngọc Ảnh Đan Thanh": A captivating artwork drawing profound inspiration from the rich heritage of traditional Southern reverse glass painting.
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