Vietnam Airlines Heritage In-Flight Magazine
Best of Both Worlds
December 2014
Born in Hue, Vietnam, Boi Tran is a member of the Vietnam Fine Art Association. Since 1996, she amongst few prominent contemporary artists in Hue has participated in several exhibitions and also had her works displayed in private collections locally and internationally, especially in Christie’s and Sotheby’s Auction Houses. Boi Tran excels in oil and lacquer paintings and her artworks often portray Vietnamese women, landscape, and the beauty of maternity. Owning an exquisite garden with 5000m2 nestled on Thien An Hill where art researchers, scholars, specialists, and experts in Vietnam and other countries oftentimes pass by, Heritage is privileged to meet this talented artist – “A true heroine” of the ancient Hue in her own mansion.
Heritage
Amongst the exceptionally leading artists in Hue, whether building up a private residence in Thien An Hill is a phenomenal change to alter painting into gardening or simply the workplace to carry on with the “destiny” of an artist?
Artist Boi Tran
The artistic path knows no end. It always compels us to work and create. For me, a brush, a spade, or a pen can all be used as tools of art. And this garden is a favorite work of mine. It has no boundaries between surrealism and ultra-realism. It’s just the artistic path I chose.
Heritage
It took you over 15 years (since 1998) to create and nurture ‘Boi Tran Gallery’, which is both fashionable and quintessentially Hue. What pleased you the most about building this house?
Artist Boi Tran
15 years seem not long enough for me to realize my dreams. With such a modest garden, I’m unable to revive the Hue of my imagination. I tried as much as I could with moss-blanketed ancient beam-houses, long corridors, immeasurably high trees, and lush lawns. It speaks of a romantic Hue that I yearned to embrace here. However, it also gave me many exciting moments: a morning spent admiring virgin flowers, afternoons draped in scenes of orchids, and serene nights when I could listen to the caressing sounds of pine trees that flow like waves…
Heritage
What do you think Hue should do to preserve and promote its cultural heritage?
Artist Boi Tran
Hue’s heritages are colossal. We have been preserving them for many years. Hue’s historical values remain intact. However, I wish Hue had greater community strength to make the city’s houses and streets more beautiful. I always dream of culinary markets in Hue, displaying everything from folk cuisine to royal cuisine. All vendors would gather in a marketplace and be taught to cook better, finer, and cleaner meals. Their uniforms would be the neat and elegant Ao Dai. I long for robust shopping streets for both domestic and foreign visitors since Hue boasts so many versatile craftsmen producing clothing and handicrafts.
I yearn for a museum to match Hue’s greatness in which major works, historical figures, and all things related to Hue’s culture will be on display. There should be also a big hall for traditional music and another hall for young painters. They need domestic and international art collectors to stop and take a look at their fine works. That is where their future careers start. It never ends when it comes to Hue, yet these suggestions should be undertaken at once to preserve the existing cultural heritage of Hue – all its arts.
Heritage
What message do you have for the younger generation who are living, working, and pursuing art?
Artist Boi Tran
If I’m honored to give some advice, I would say you are happy and fortunate that you are not forced into battlefields like the older generations were. Hence, we need you to try harder in your artistic career with your entire soul. Thus, the arts will never be unkind to you.
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