Beloved Countryside

2009-2021

Title

Beloved Countryside

Medium

Lacquer on wood

Size

122 cm x 332 cm

Collection

Diplomatic Collection

Location

The Office of the National Assembly of Vietnam

Right & reproductions

© Bui Huu Hung Foundation

About the artwork

The title Beloved Countryside evokes a sense of nostalgia and serenity, reflecting artist Bui Huu Hung’s deep connection to his roots and the enduring beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. Through this piece, Hung expresses his heartfelt appreciation for the simplicity and warmth of rural life, where nature and humanity exist in perfect harmony.

At the heart of Beloved Countryside is the image of a banana tree, a symbol of resilience, vitality, and prosperity in Vietnamese culture. Its broad leaves unfurl in a protective embrace, offering a sense of tranquillity and evoking memories of childhood gardens and quiet afternoons. Surrounding this central motif are carefully arranged rural scenes, inviting the viewer into a dreamlike, meditative space.

Bui Huu Hung’s masterful lacquer technique breathes life into the composition, endowing the painting with a luminous and dynamic quality. The dominant golden hues radiate warmth throughout the piece, conjuring an atmosphere bathed in sunlight and contentment—a golden glow imbued with poetic beauty and a subtle sense of mystery.

The colour palette is harmoniously balanced with silver highlights, ensuring a seamless integration with nature. These meticulously chosen tones reflect the artist’s sensitivity to light and his desire to capture the emotional resonance of home. The depth created by the medium encourages the viewer to linger, discovering new details with each encounter.

Beloved Countryside is a gentle narrative of Vietnamese rural life, a whispered homage to the enduring bond between people and their homeland. Its tender rhythm and quiet resilience are preserved in memory and art. Through this evocative work, Bui Huu Hung reaffirms his place as a master of lacquer painting, bridging tradition and personal storytelling, and touching the hearts of audiences both at home and abroad.