The Art of ceramic mosaic by artist Mai Van Nhon

As part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the National Day on September 2, an exhibition titled "80 Years of Independence, Freedom, Happiness" is taking place in Hanoi, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The event serves as a rendezvous of outstanding works by artists from across the country, including Mai Van Nhon – an artist from Dong Nai province.

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, and photography. Each art form carries its own expressive language, not only recalling memories of the past but also reflecting contemporary life. Amidst such a representative artistic space, the Bien Hoa ceramic mosaic paintings stand out as a testament to Dong Nai's century-old heritage beauty, which has been preserved and continues to flourish. Small ceramic pieces, meticulously crafted by the talented hands of artist Van Nhon, are shaped into images, scenes and emotions. Each of his works conveys the aspiration for independence, freedom, and happiness. This is also the theme of the exhibition.

Originally trained as an engineer, Mai Van Nhon has nurtured a strong passion for painting. Besides using traditional materials such as oil and lacquer, he has also created paintings using unique materials, including etched stainless steel, digital painting, and mosaics. Among them, ceramic mosaic paintings – a form that combines heritage and contemporary art – are a standout genre in the creative career of artist Mai Van Nhon.

Since 2008, he has devoted himself to researching ceramic painting techniques, from sourcing ceramics and adhesives to glazing methods. More than a year later, his first mosaic works were introduced, drawing the attention and admiration of the art community and the enthusiasts. To date, he has nearly 20 years of experience creating Bien Hoa ceramic mosaic paintings. It can be said that Mai Van Nhon is a pioneer in developing Bien Hoa ceramic mosaics, bringing this art genre to national prominence.

Mai Van Nhon brings to the exhibition "80 Years of Independence, Freedom, Happiness" a cultural portrait collection consisting of seven works:

Eyes of Ta Lai – a work that employs vibrant colours to highlight the deep yet bright and innocent eyes of a Cho Ro ethnic child from Ta Lai, leaving a cultural imprint of the ethnic minority community in Dong Nai.

Mother of Cu Lao – the contrast in ceramic arrangement techniques, with evenly aligned pieces in the background and multi-directional arrangement in the figure, creates a distinctive visual effect. This rhythmic change adds vitality to the work, further highlighting the image of the heroic mother in Cu Lao. Though simple in appearance, she embodies an indomitable spirit, representing millions of Vietnamese mothers who made immense sacrifices during wartime.

Artist Mai Van Nhon also gained recognition with a ceramic mosaic collection portraying more than 20 heads of state, which was showcased at the exhibition "Portraits of APEC Leaders 2017".

Mother and the Sea – a work depicting the longing of a woman who waits day and night for her husband and child, adrift on a fishing boat at sea, to return. The painting reflects the genuine emotions of the daily life of people in central Vietnam.

The ceramic mosaic artwork Seeking within Impermanence (ceramic mosaic, 85x125cm)

Thien Thai – the title of the artwork is inspired by the epic ballad of the same name by composer Van Cao, first introduced when he was just 18 years old.  The scene in Thien Thai features a stream of peach blossoms, misty paths, a small bamboo boat, and distant mountains like a surreal painting, blurring the boundary between dream and reality. To portray the father of Thien Thai, artist Mai Van Nhon used only "non-colours" – black and white. These two shades are neither warm nor cold. They create both contrast and harmony, a transition between reality and illusion, presence and dreaminess, embodying the aspiration to transcend the ordinary towards a realm of the marvellous – the desire to touch the ideal beauty and let the soul transcend.

Additionally, there are three portrait works of Trinh Cong Son, Bui Xuan Phai, and Bui Giang. These were all artists who worked tirelessly and made significant contributions to national art scene both before and after the revolution.

Many of these works have received recognition and awards at major competitions nationwide. For instance, Thien Thai won the B Prize of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Award in 2024 (Fine Arts category), while Soul of the old quarter was selected by the Vietnam Fine Arts Association to be showcased at the Regional Fine Arts Exhibition VII in August 2024.

The ceramic mosaic artwork Soul of the old quarter (materials: ceramic + acrylic + oil on canvas, 105x170cm)

"I always focus my artworks on my homeland and roots. From hardworking rural mothers and silent heroes to great cultural figures, they are all my endless inspiration. I have a deep passion for ceramic mosaic art because this material carries the breath of the earth, the fire, and its traditional roots in Bien Hoa, and its durability, which symbolizes the eternal love of the Vietnamese people for their country. For me, art is not only to be admired but also to remind us of our history, roots, and the responsibility of every generation," shared artist Mai Van Nhon.

The presence of ceramic mosaics, an art form deeply rooted in local identity, at a major national cultural event demonstrates Dong Nai's contribution to the broader landscape of Vietnamese fine arts. Artist Mai Van Nhon is worthy of recognition, not only for his talent but also for his devotion to national art and his unwavering love for his homeland and country.

By: Hang Xuan
Translated by: Thuc Oanh - Thu Ha