...Dang Mau Tuu...
I. The biography of artist Dang Mau Tuu:
He was born in 1953 in Binh Dinh Province.
He studied Fine Arts in Hue, in 1975. After getting married, he continued to live and work there. Throughout his life, he has had many roles, including teaching Fine Arts to children and participating in cultural activities. In addition, he served as the director of the Hue Children’s House and later the Hue City Children’s House.
He then took on responsibilities in the field of Fine Arts at the Hue Central Fine Arts Association, where he served as Chairman. He is currently the Chairman of the Hue Union of Literature and Arts Associations as well as the Hue Central Fine Arts Association.
He has two children. His son is an architect, and his daughter studied at the Hue University of Arts.
II. Dang Mau Tuu’s creations and contributions:
He has been drawing throughout his life, although this does not mean that every artwork he creates is successful. Drawing is one of his greatest passions and essential needs, and his family has always supported his artistic pursuits.
III. Notable Exhibitions and Awards:
Exhibitions:
1972: He graduated from the Fine Arts University in Hue City.
Exhibitions and Arts:
– 1973: Participated in an art exhibition of two artists in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh.
– 1980 – 1990: Participated in the International Fine Arts Exhibition.
– 1985: Participated in a group Exhibition in the German Democratic Republic.
– 1992: Participated in a group Exhibition of four artists in Hue City.
– 1999: Took place in his private Exhibition in Hue.
– Participated in a Group Exhibition of 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 festivals 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 and 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 for the first time in Thua Thien Hue Province in 1996 at the 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 collections and in various countries
IV. Dang Mau Tuu’s source of inspiration and career path:
From an early age, his passion for art was inspired by the drawings his father created on the walls of their home. A major turning point came when he had to live away from his family and happened to earn a living through lacquer painting. He then taught himself art until he was eventually admitted to an art school. From that moment on, painting became the profession that would accompany him throughout his life. He resolved to devote himself to this path and pursue it until his very last breath.
V. Distinctive creating style:
The artist acquired his knowledge through formal education and extensive reading. He was fortunate to learn from many remarkable and highly respected teachers. However, he chose not to imitate anyone. He believed that he could never surpass the masters who came before him if he merely followed in their footsteps. Moreover, he placed great value on his own individuality and artistic preferences. He sought only to express what he genuinely loved and felt connected to. As a result, his paintings bear a distinctive personal signature and are unlike anyone else’s. Whether a work is considered successful or not, it remains entirely his own.
This independent path has sometimes made him feel lonely in his creative journey. Indeed, there are people who do not appreciate his work, but there are also those who deeply connect with the emotions and ideas conveyed through his art.
