Dang Can
1. The artist’s biography and career:
The artist’s full name is Dang Van Can. He was born in 1957, in An Duc Commune, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province – located alongside the Mekong river in Vietnam. He showed an early talent in drawing and painting. He has commenced to artworks since 1976 with his main job working as an illustrator for local newspapers and magazines.
Now he is a member of the Vietnam Fine Art Association.
Exhibitions & Awards:
1996: Local Exhibition held in Vinh Long– Art work: The building worker – Enc. award
1998: Zone No. 8th Mekong Delta- National Exhibition- Art work: The green cages – Enc. Award
2001: Zone No.8th Mekong Delta- National Exhibition. Art work: The green dream – A Prize
2003: Zone No.8th Mekong Delta- National Exhibition. Art work: The rest of donor – C Prize
2004: Zone No.8th Mekong Delta– National Exhibition Art
2006: Zone No. 8th Mekong Delta- National Exhibition Art work: Closing mud.- C Prize, collected by Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum.
2006: National exhibition of 5-year period 2001-2006 held at Ho Chi Minh Fine Art Museum.
2007: Zone No. 8th Mekong Delta- National Exhibition Art work: a Green message.- 2nd Prize
2007: Two men exhibition – October – “Echo of time” with artist Le Trieu Dien at Phuong Mai Gallery, HCMC.
2008: Zone No.8 Mekong Delta- National Exhibition. Art work “Missing the sea” got B Prize collected by Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts.
2009: Two men’s exhibition– October- “Moment of Mekong Delta” with artist Chieu Đong at Phuong Mai Gallery, in HCMC.
2010: Zone No.8 Mekong Delta- National Exhibition. Art work “ Naval soldier ” – C Prize.
Many of his paintings are in private collections in many countries.
For that, step by step, it has brought him to the public who like to take the delight in art.
His style of painting is not only very soft and deep but also attractive, expressed through the peacefulness of the Mekong Delta. His paintings bring a full and semplice dream, to be imbrued with poetry, high-faluting but also reality. The main subjects throughout his works are landscapes in the peaceful countryside of the Mekong Delta, school girls in Ao Dai, and the daily changes of local residents. They seem simple but truly lovely.
Apart form being a painter, he is also a composer/ designer in the art of ceramics. He used to have a part time job at a ceramic art workshop in Vinh Long, where ceramic art products are famous and exported to many countries in the world.
When viewing Can’s artworks, we cannot remain indifferent, as they immerse us in the natural life of the lower Mekong River. He explores the human condition, the subtle poetry of daily life, and the beauty of the landscape amid the country’s ongoing transformation.
With time, he will produce more outstanding paintings and is already a significant artist in the Mekong Delta region.
2. How did you become an artist? What first sparked your interest in art?
I enjoyed painting from a young age. In 1975, I applied for a job and received guidance from friends and senior artists. In 1977, I was selected to attend a six-month basic fine arts course taught by Ngo Quang Duyen of the Vietnamese Fine Arts Department. Since then, I have continued to pursue a career as an artist.
3. What is your style?
Each painter develops a personal style, independent of others’ influences.
4. What is your inspiration, and do you have a mentor or idol?
I draw inspiration from the life around me—everything I see and feel finds its way into my paintings. That’s why I don’t feel the need for a mentor or advisor.
5. What makes your art distinct from that of other Vietnamese artists?
I always find new styles, new affection and new ideas.
6. How do you view Vietnam; and the outside world?
In my opinion, every place has its own view. And Vietnam is not an exception.
7. What are your likes and dislikes?
I like living honestly and creating beautiful artworks.
8. Why do you utilize this medium and style?
I’m acquainted with using oil-paint and I found that it is very easy to paint with.
9. What is the main idea or message you aim to convey in your art? Is there a common theme across your works?
Human being always face many difficulties in their daily life. Sometimes people need to have a more comfortable life.
10. Are there hidden meanings in your artworks? Do they convey a particular message—political, personal, or something else?
My works simply capture the beauty I see in everyday life. They do not address politics at all.
11. What are your ideology and views on art?
I hope my art communicates truth, goodness, and beauty to those who see it.
12. Who are you, and why should people purchase or collect your artworks?
It really comes down to how viewers feel about my work. If it speaks to them, that’s why they decide to collect it.
