Brian Jeffrey
Sophie Trinh’s Groundbreaking Art Exhibition
After six years of careful preparation, artist Sophie Trinh, also known as Thu Phuong, has launched her first exhibition of nude self-portraits in Hanoi.
Born in 1988, Sophie believes that resilience and bravery are key to artistic creation. Her exhibition represents a daring pursuit in the often contentious field of nude art in Vietnam, where cultural sensitive issues and societal views can create obstacles.
She stated, “The opinions of others don’t matter. What’s significant is the tranquility I find in my art, allowing me to express my inner thoughts and feelings through my body.”
In a conversation with VietNamNet, she shared the deeply personal motivations for featuring her own body in her artwork.
From an early age, Sophie had a profound passion for art, aspiring to be both an artist and an educator. While teaching fine arts, she constantly honed her painting skills. Her artistic journey has been influenced by significant life experiences, including her bond with her father and the pain of romantic disappointment.
“I wanted to paint nudes because I find the human form beautiful,” she said. This choice stemmed not only from aesthetic appreciation but also as a reflection of her personal relationships. “I loved my partner dearly, but there was a barrier in our understanding of each other,” she expressed.
She explained that although her partner recognized the legitimacy of nude art, he struggled to understand her emotional requirements. “For me, love entails mutual comprehension and shared values. In its absence, my heart feels fractured.”
Unlike others who paint models, Sophie preferred to depict herself. “To paint someone else, I need to understand them profoundly and be moved by their inner beauty. Unfortunately, I haven’t met a woman with whom I feel that connection,” she shared.
Her self-modeling stems from her confidence and experience as a model and actress. “I feel at ease being my own subject. Through my art, I want to communicate sentiments using the language of my body,” she stated.
Sophie employs professional cameras and smartphones to photograph her poses before translating them onto canvas. “Photography captures fleeting moments, but painting allows me to infuse my soul into the artwork,” she explained.
Initially concerned about whether her exhibition would gain public approval, Sophie remained steadfast in her determination to showcase her art. “I feared my nude artworks would face censorship, but I trust in the integrity of my creations,” she remarked.
Luong Xuan Doan, President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, commended Sophie’s bravery and honesty. “It’s uncommon for a woman to unveil her innermost experiences through such personal art,” he appreciated.
Ultimately, all of Sophie’s pieces received approval for exhibition, marking a notable achievement in a country where nude art displays are still quite uncommon.
Artistic Creation Process
Sophie noted that her creative process often involves experimentation. “If I’m not satisfied with a piece, I erase it instead of finishing it for the sake of selling.” She mentioned being selective, ensuring only her finest work is presented publicly.
When questioned about the future of her personal pieces, Sophie stated, “I have sold other works but not from this nude series. Still, if someone genuinely admires them, I would consider selling. Even though these are self-portraits, I believe viewers can find aspects of themselves reflected in them.”
Through her exhibition, Sophie Trinh fosters important conversations about body positivity, self-expression, and the boundaries of artistic freedom. Her work continues to challenge societal perceptions and push the limits of conventional art in Vietnam while maintaining fidelity to her unique creative vision.
My Anh
