Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn is a symbol of protection and brings blessings to people. Her image also evokes traditional cultural values, patriotism, and a connection to the homeland.
In popular imagination, the image of Mẫu Thượng Ngàn is that of a benevolent woman seated in the lotus position with her hands clasped together, adorned in the green attire of the sacred mountains and forests. In this spirit, painter Bùi Hữu Hùng’s portrayal of Đức Thánh Mẫu stands out with a traditional approach intertwined with subtle modern elements. He has recreated a figure imbued with the spiritual and cultural essence of the nation through a serene and evocative painting language. In the artwork, She appears alongside the figure of a sacred elephant, as if embarking on a spiritual journey, offering close protection and transmitting hidden strength and peace to those fortunate enough to behold Her portrait.
At first glance, the painting captivates with the majestic presence of Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn—the Goddess who reigns over the mountains and forests in Vietnam’s Four Palaces belief system. She is depicted in a stunning, regal golden outfit, symbolising prosperity and abundance. The green “khăn vấn” atop her head reflects her deep connection to nature and earth, while also representing wisdom. The green hues throughout the painting create a harmonious balance, adding a light and graceful touch that draws the viewer in.
The artist skilfully employs colour to create form and evoke emotion. The layers of lacquer paint transition from the deep, contemplative tones of green to bright silver streaks, conjuring a mystical and dreamlike space that transports the viewer into a metaphysical world. The image of the Goddess, while majestic and sharp, retains the gentle kindness of a female deity. The meticulously applied layers of paint, with each detail carefully crafted but never overly conspicuous, showcase the artist’s lacquer technique. Her eyes gently look downward, as if gazing upon the human world with compassion and understanding. The imposing figure of the sacred elephant beside Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn serves as a reminder of the heroic female generals in Vietnam’s historical records. The overall composition of the painting highlights the spiritual and religious nature of the Mẫu Thượng Ngàn figure. Standing before the artwork, one is filled with reverence for Đức Thánh Mẫu, intertwined with a sense of pride as a Vietnamese, honouring the tradition of gratitude and the nation’s independence and resilience.
Not only does the work “Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn” depict a character, but it also offers a profound reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, as well as between the material and spiritual worlds. The artist creates an open space within the painting, where the stillness of the mountains contrasts with the limitless power of the Goddess. This fusion is what gives the artwork its soul, affirming the unique talent and artistic vision of painter Bùi Hữu Hùng. In contemporary Vietnamese art, he serves as a guardian of the national spirit by presenting traditional cultural symbols in a mesmerising new form.
