In the realm of fine arts, painters traditionally wield brushes and paints to craft their creations. However, in the bustling streets of Hanoi, artist Nguyen Thu Huyen breaks the mould by utilizing needles and fabrics to weave intricate works of art, capturing the essence of Vietnamese culture and beauty.
As the Year of the Dragon unfolds, Huyen’s art house in Hanoi becomes a hive of activity, resonating with the laughter and enthusiasm of her students as they eagerly delve into the art of painting ao dai, Vietnam’s traditional long dress.
Renowned for her expertise in fabric collage, Huyen has not only dedicated herself to creating stunning artworks but has also embraced the role of a mentor, imparting her knowledge through teaching and writing. For Huyen, fabric collage is more than just a passion; it is a medium through which she communicates her love for art to the world.
Huyen’s journey into the world of fabric collage began in 2006 when she started sharing her creations on her blog, garnering praise and admiration from a growing audience. Over the years, she has honed her skills, experimenting with different techniques and materials to produce increasingly sophisticated works of art. One of her notable pieces, “Vietnamese Beauty,” created in collaboration with a friend, celebrates the vibrant costumes of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups and currently graces the halls of the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.
Setting herself apart from her contemporaries, Huyen employs a diverse range of materials in her collages, meticulously blending each element to form cohesive compositions. Her works often depict the allure of Hanoi’s women and its picturesque landscapes, capturing the essence of Vietnamese culture with every stitch.
Critics laud Huyen’s innovative approach, recognizing her as one of the country’s most promising quilting artists. Hoang Anh, a prominent art critic, praises Huyen’s ability to elevate quilting from a utilitarian craft to a form of fine art, applauding her unique vision and creative prowess.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Huyen is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists. In 2014, she established drawing classes at the House of Art, welcoming students of all ages to explore their creative potential under her guidance. Reflecting on her teaching journey, Huyen finds inspiration in her students’ stories, particularly that of a sixty-year-old woman whose passion for painting reignited in Huyen’s classes, proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
In addition to her teaching endeavours, Nguyen Thu Huyen has authored nine art books for children, with her latest project set to explore the traditional costumes of forty countries, aligning with her zodiac sign, the Dragon. Despite her growing acclaim, Huyen remains grounded, embodying traits of humility, creativity, resilience, energy, and kindness as she continues her artistic odyssey.
In the heart of Hanoi, Nguyen Thu Huyen’s needle dances across fabrics, weaving tales of culture, beauty, and passion, leaving an indelible mark on Vietnam’s artistic landscape.