Dang Mau Tuu

1. The artist’s biography and career:

He was born in 1953 in Binh Dinh Province.

He studied Fine Arts in Hue in 1975 and got married then worked there. He used to have many careers, such as: teaching Fine Arts to children, doing cultural activities. Besides, he used to be the director of Hue’s House of Children, and Hue City’s House of Children. Then he took over tasks in Fine Arts at Hue Central Fine Arts Association (He was the chairman, and is now the chairman of Culture and Arts Union Association as well as the Hue Central Fine Arts Association). He has two children – His son is an architect and his daughter was a junior at Hue Fine Arts University. He has drawn all his life but it doesn’t mean that he always produces good artworks. Drawing is one of his needs, and his family always supports him to draw. He likes to enjoy good times with his friends but he knows when he must stop, and he always has high opinion of them though they have shortcoming sometimes.

1972: He graduated from the Fine Arts University in Hue City.

Exhibitions and Arts:

– 1973: Participated Exhibitions of the two artists in Quy Nhon – Binh Dinh.

– 1980 – 1990: Participated in the International Fine Arts Exhibition.

– 1985: Participated in Group Exhibition in German Democratic Republic.

– 1992: Participated in Group Exhibition of four artists in Hue City.

– 1999: Took place his private Exhibition in Hue.

– Participated in Group Exhibition of the three artists in TET GALLERY-JAKARTA, INDONESIA.

– 2000: Group Exhibition of 7 artists in Media Hanoi, which was held by the Switzerland Embassy in Vietnam.

– 2004: Group Exhibition with two other artists from Binh Dinh in HCM City and Quy Nhon.

– 2006: Group Exhibition of four artists at Tu Do Gallery, in HCM City.

– At each term of festival in Hue in 2002, 2004, 2006: Group Exhibition in Art Café- Nhu Hue River.

– Participated in some Exhibitions held by the Vietnam Fine Arts Association and in almost every exhibition in the area.

– From 1996 till now: He has continuously participated in the common exhibitions of the Hue City Fine Arts Association held in Hue- Hanoi.

– 2011: Group exhibition of 3 artists from Hue at Phuong Mai Gallery in November, including artists Phan Thanh Binh, Dang Mau Tuu and Le Nhuong.

* AWARDS:

– Got the B award of the White Lotus in Fine Arts – Arts and Culture Association in Binh Tri Thien (1983-1987).

– Got the B award of the Arts and Culture of the Ancient Capital the first time in Thua Thien Hue Province in 1996 – Fine Arts Department.

– He was recompensed for the 4th area (1996) held by the Vietnamese Fine Arts Association.

– He was rewarded for his excellent artworks in 1999-2001-2004 by the Union of Arts and Culture Association in Thua Thien Hue Province.

– Member of Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association.

Art activities: He has many paintings in Private Collection and in various countries

2. How did you become an artist? Talk about your start, what made you interested in art?

It began with my father’s drawings on the earthen walls of our home. Those images stayed with me when I left home and, by chance, made a living doing lacquer work. During that time, I taught myself how to draw. By the time I entered art school, painting had already become my calling—and once it becomes a calling, it stays with you until your very last breath.

3. What is your creating style?

I studied at school and read widely, and I was fortunate to learn from many excellent and respected teachers. However, I chose not to follow any single one of them, because I believe that imitation would never allow me to become truly myself. I have a strong personal drive and a deep commitment to my own passions, and I want my work to express what I genuinely feel and love.

For that reason, my paintings are unlike anyone else’s. Whether they are considered beautiful or not, they are truly mine. That is why my path can feel lonely at times. Some people do not connect with my work, while others deeply resonate with it.

4. What inspires you, and who are your mentors or idols?
Anything that moves me emotionally becomes a source of inspiration. Anyone can be my mentor in the field they understand when I am working within that realm. My true idol is Beauty itself. Beauty is what I continually strive to reach.

5. What makes your art distinct from that of other Vietnamese artists?

I’m unique and not the same as anyone.

6. How do you view Vietnam and the outside world?

Nowadays, Vietnam and the world are getting closer. In Fine Arts, there are many exclusive things that can only be found in Vietnam. Vietnamese economy has slowly been developing so we don’t have many good chances to do what we want.

7. What are your likes and dislikes?

I like everything, as long as they are not bad or harmful to other people. And I also don’t like dishonest people.

8. Why do you utilize this medium or style?

This is only a step forward, not a final destination, but I believe this medium is capable of conveying the messages I wish to share—especially to an audience that appreciates and connects with it.

9. What is the main idea or message you aim to convey in your art? Is there a common theme across your works?

That is only natural, for when an artist creates, they convey their thoughts, joys and sorrows, and inner longings into the work.

It is about freedom in creation, love, the human condition, the absurdity of human behavior, and the persistence of human faith in the face of life.

10. Are there any hidden meanings or any messages behind your art works? Is it something political or personal… or some other feelings or thoughts?

When each work comes into being, it is never meaningless. It is a product of art, always carrying a distilled expression of the artist’s self as it looks toward its subject. It contains everything—and that “everything” belongs entirely to the artist.

11. What is your ideology and views on art?

Art, by its very nature, is a search for Beauty. In seeking the essence of beauty, one may use any means available, so long as they are not immoral or unethical. As for how long a work endures, time and history will pass judgment—but once it is art, it possesses its own inherent value.

12. Who are you and why should people purchase and collect your art works?

I’m an artist who produces artworks. A buyer has his or her own reason. They might purchase a painting because they like or need it. Sometimes, it is because they are curious about the artists and their works.