Painter Nguyen Duc Hoa, who launched the exhibition, said that at last year’s National Fine Arts Exhibition in Hanoi, the organising board encouraged painters to paint visitors and the proceeds were handed over to the fund in support of Agent Orange victims. The activity received great support from visitors and he decided to organise a similar exhibition, aimed at enriching artistic activities in Hanoi, and more importantly, participating in humanitarian activities.

Painter Ly Truc Son, a teacher from the Hanoi Fine Arts College, shared the view: “This is a practical activity to raise funds for AO victims…. You know we are not rich and we hope that similar exhibitions will be held in the future to create a playground for young artists to practise, conduct exchanges and improve their living conditions.”

Visitors only have to pay a small amount of money to have the portraits painted, VND50,000 for a plain painting and VND200,000 for a coloured painting. 

“Despite getting only a small amount of money from visitors, we still guarantee the quality of the painting,” said Hoa. “The price levels vary and many coloured paintings still cost VND50,000. But more importantly, this activity draws visitors into a humanitarian activity to share AO victims’ sufferings.”

On the wall of the gallery are portraits of the painters’ relatives and many visitors have offered to buy the paintings for between US$300-400.

“If these portraits are genuine art works, they are priceless,” said Son.

Although the three painters have no experience in marketing the exhibition, they have been working very hard. Last weekend, many visitors came and had their portraits painted at a reasonable price.

“How long does it take you to paint a portrait?” I asked Hoa.

“It depends on their face and look, as well as our aptitude,” Hoa replied. “Son likes drawing children’s paintings and it takes him only 7 to 15 minutes to finish a piece. I like portraying elderly people, while Le Dzung Cuong draws pictures of young girls,” he smiled.
The exhibition opened on March 31 and will run through April 9.

by Thuy Hoa