An emotional and inspiring artistic atmosphere unfolded at the launch event of Painting Life Through Emotions by artist Vu Duong – a gathering that welcomed art lovers, fellow artists, close friends, and those who have accompanied his creative journey throughout the years.

Quiet and deeply reflective rather than extravagant, the event carried the same spirit that has long defined Vu Duong’s paintings: simple, restrained, yet filled with emotion and the depth of memory.

“Painting Life Through Emotions” – A Journey Through Memory and Art

The art book Painting Life Through Emotions is a curated collection of Vu Duong’s most representative works created throughout different stages of his artistic career. The publication also includes writings and reflections from friends, colleagues, and art professionals about his life and artistic journey.

Painting Life Through Emotions Art Book (Photo: Quang Trinh)

Each page unfolds like a layer of memory preserved through color and emotion. Old streets, rivers, rooftops, local markets, and ordinary scenes from Central Vietnam are brought to life through the unique light and atmosphere found in Vu Duong’s paintings.

Many art enthusiasts have described his works as “the light of memory” – where familiar images are not only painted, but also preserved through the artist’s emotions and contemplation.

A Poetic Exhibition Space

Alongside the book launch was an exhibition featuring selected artworks by Vu Duong.

The showcased paintings reflected the artist’s signature style: muted color palettes, minimalist compositions, and a deeply human sense hidden within small everyday details.

Rather than seeking to impress through technical complexity or dramatic colors, Vu Duong’s paintings create quiet spaces where viewers can discover their own emotions. Some works contain only a few brushstrokes or simplified color blocks, yet still evoke an incredibly profound sense of memory.

Many guests spent long moments standing before each artwork, as if slowly walking through an old world – one that feels both familiar and dreamlike, intimate yet deeply nostalgic.

Paintings by Artist Vu Duong displayed during the book launch talk session (Photo: Quang Trinh)

The Artist of Everyday Life

Born in Hue and spending most of his artistic life in Da Nang, Vu Duong is considered one of the representative figures of Central Vietnamese contemporary art.

Without formal academic training in fine arts, he pursued painting through self-learning, observation, and years of quiet dedication. His works have appeared in numerous exhibitions both in Vietnam and internationally, and are now part of private art collections and cultural spaces.

Artist Vu Duong welcoming close friends at the talk session (Photo: Quang Trinh)

What makes Vu Duong’s art especially meaningful is that no matter how far his works travel, they always return to the simple things surrounding everyday life. As he once shared: “I only have one good quality: patience in living and painting… I simply paint what is around me.”

Perhaps that is why his paintings always carry a sincere and peaceful feeling – like a place where viewers can pause for a moment amidst the constant movement of modern life.

Notably, the artworks displayed throughout the grounds of Salmalia Boutique Hotel & Spa are also original creations by artist Vu Duong. These paintings contribute to the hotel’s distinctive artistic identity – a space where art, emotion, and tranquility quietly coexist in every corner of the experience.