Artist Dinh Huu Viet presents his newest exhibit, titled Hoa Rắn (Blooming Snakes), which gives a fresh and colorful interpretation of the snake—a symbol rich in cultural and spiritual meaning in Vietnam. The snakes are depicted in bright shades of pink, green, red, and gold, representing the hopeful spirit of spring.

On view at Artistay Art Space, this exhibition marks a significant shift from the usual portrayals of snakes in art.

Dinh Huu Viet, who honed his skills under acclaimed lacquer artist Dinh Quan in his youth and is a graduate of the University of Industrial Fine Arts, has dedicated 20 years to perfecting lacquer art. This exhibition showcases his commitment to combining new materials and themes.

In Hoa Rắn, Viet explores the technique of lacquer painting on paper, which offers him a fluid creative outlet. The snake, a prominent symbol in Vietnamese tradition often linked to mysticism, is reinterpreted as a gentle and hopeful figure, reflecting the freshness of spring.

The exhibit includes 30 pieces that feature snakes in lively colors—blossoming into floral designs, moons, couples, and abstract elements. These reinterpretations break away from traditional symbolism, acting as channels for the artist’s hopefulness and the essence of lacquer art.

When questioned about the potential difficulty in selling snake-themed artworks, often viewed as ominous in tradition, Viet highlighted his commitment to creativity over commercial gain.

“My intention isn’t to sell. If I treated art as a business, I would lose my ability to create. Art should stem from passion and emotion, not revenue. Beautiful work will sell itself; financial gain isn’t my objective. My drive comes from passion,” Viet explained.

Utilizing paper for lacquer compositions signifies a notable shift from traditional lacquer work on wood (vóc), fostering an uninterrupted creative experience.

“Paper lets me dive deeper into lacquer, functioning as a continuous canvas. There were times I worked overnight, which isn’t feasible with wood,” Viet noted.

The intricate layers of color in lacquer, revealed through careful sanding, contribute to a sense of depth while maintaining the medium’s distinctive qualities. Viet pointed out that paper allows for greater experimentation while still honoring traditional lacquer methods.