'Thủy mặc' painting, also known as 'water ink painting,' is a traditional art form originating from China. While it primarily uses black ink and its varying shades, artists sometimes add colors to highlight specific artistic ideas. Ink wash painting requires delicate control over brushstrokes, ink thickness, and the creation of spatial depth using minimal yet precise strokes.
So, what brought ink wash painting into Vietnamese fine arts?
Following the migration of the Chinese to Cho Lon, in mid-20th century, renowned ink wash artist Luong Thieu Hang founded the Dong Phuong Nghe Uyen school, which produced generations of skilled painters, including the late Truong Han Minh (1951-2021).
Growing up in the Chinese community of Cho Lon, Truong Han Minh's artistic vision was shaped by this heritage. While maintaining traditional techniques, his themes went beyond the usual motifs of Chinese ink wash painting, capturing Southern Vietnamese culture and landscapes from across the country.
The late artist once said, "To create the face of an ink wash painting, one must focus on three elements: form, spirit, and meaning. Form is the foundation to convey meaning; spirit is what brings the painting to life. Although black ink is the only color, a master artist can express all seven colors through it."
He was renowned for his ability to complete paintings within minutes during live exhibitions, where every brushstroke was deliberate and uncorrectable, reflecting his deep understanding of composition, light, and shading.
As one of Vietnam's 54 officially recognized ethnic minorities, the Chinese community's distinct cultural traits have persisted over generations, coexisting and interacting with Vietnamese culture. Similarly, ink wash painting, along with other Chinese artistic legacies, continues to flourish as an independent yet evolving branch of Vietnamese fine arts.