Critics complain young artists lack creative spark

Veteran artists have expressed some anxiety about the quality of sculptures by young artists at a recent seminar organised by the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association in Ha Noi.

Painter and art critic Thanh Chuong said although many sculptors displayed their works at recent exhibitions, he was not impressed by their quality.

Recently, the association created a chance for young artists to display their works by organising creativity camps and exhibitions.


The latest exhibition, Young Sculptors 2014, which opened on July 16, was joined by promising artists such as Thai Nhat Minh, Tran An and Ku Kao Khai.

It follows a move by the fine-arts association to call for new art works.

"It's good that many young sculptors responded to the call," Chuong said, "but actually I don't see much creativity in them.

"The artists are enthusiastic, but they haven't expressed their personality or introduced new ideas," he said. "This is a beautiful exhibition with many sculptures, but there are few impressive and unique works."

Chuong recommended that artists try to create works marking their own style.

Veteran painter Luong Xuan Doan, deputy director of the Culture and Arts Committee agreed. "Young sculptors now have many opportunities to prove themselves," he said.

"In my opinion, we shouldn't organise too many exhibitions, but select some remarkable art works that express the artist's understanding and experience of life.

"For me, applause-winning works should be beautiful, artistic and cemented to social life, not just decorative products," he said.

Painter Vu Pham Truong Minh said the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association had supported young artists well by organising creativity camps where young artists could explore and improve themselves.

The association also arranges exhibitions helping the artists display their work.

"Artists are always faced with financial difficulties when they want to open an exhibition," Minh said. "Renting a gallery to showcase art works is very expensive.

"I know many artists who are active in creating but they don't have enough money to organise exhibits," said Minh. "Now the association supports us to display works at 16 Ngo Quyen Street, a wonderful place in the heart of the city."

"Artists should travel more and live more to gain experience and inspiration to create," he said.