It has been some time now since I have gone travelling in search
of paintings. I am really looking out for great artworks which
I hope will somehow extend my senses to the outer reaches of
my kingdom, like angel wings extending its glimmering light
over the sea bed below. How far I would go in search of them
is not known. I have seen colours, depth and definition that
have brought men to their knees and women to ease.
I have always thought that the paintings sold in my city were
too expensive. People are also starting to wonder these days
whether or not contemporary art really make sense. Therefore
I have always had this urge and indiscrete temptation to travel
out to other neighbouring countries in search for the rare and
inexpensive. As cheap as I may sound. There is nothing like
traveling in search of something hard to find. No words can
describe that!
I have just gotton back from Hanoi and I have fallen in love
with her the minute I saw the streets that she so willingly
stretches out. This city, without a doubt, has lots to offer.
It is a melting pot of the old and new, its communism and war,
modernization with a touch of French flare left by the French
occupation. Mixing these blends of influences together gave
Hanoi its unique character. I was spellbound by her.
Over the past centuries Hanoi has seen many wars. From the
time China was in ruling to the invasion of the French. America
came with the B52s after that. All of these mix experiences
and emotions can be seen in her paintings. I have come across
many propaganda paintings of the war in Hanoi. They are almost
poster like with vibrant colours that calls out to its audiences.
The colours used were of basic primary colours that hits the
nerves of the Vietnamese people. The strong and rather clear
statements it makes can be seen in the human figures it holds.
I was intrigued by it and I thought that in a rightful position
to purchase any one of them at that time. I realize that I could
not even contemplate what the Vietnamese people have gone through.
It somehow struck me that these paintings are not as simple
as how they were made.
Richard Ong
richard@shanghaibarn.com
