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Story: Minh Lien
Photos: Dung BHD
The art of portrait painting is not simply about replicating appearances; it is a journey of capturing the inner spirit. With nearly 60 years of experience, artist Dinh Quang Tinh has devotedly captured the expressions and souls of many generations of Vietnamese artists and intellectuals. Much like the “indestructible diamond” concept in Buddhist philosophy, his portraits preserve cultural values that endure and remain vibrant over time.
From techniques to art
Artist Dinh Quang Tinh’s creative journey was an artistic adventure full of unexpected turns. After graduating from the Polytechnic University, he worked at the Hanoi Mechanical Factory—one of the most advanced factories of the 1960s. During this period he developed a passion for painting, nurtured by the sculptor Nguyen Thien and the painter Do To. In addition to working at the factory, Mr. Tinh painted billboards and posters depicting the lives of workers, as well as mechanical drawings to promote Vietnam’s heavy industry at international exhibitions and fairs, at a time when photography was limited.
With a love for painting and youthful enthusiasm, Dinh Quang Tinh quickly immersed himself in the vibrant artistic scene of emerging talents. He became involved in the movement of propaganda painting and illustration, earning a reputation as a trusted artist for newspapers such as Van Nghe, Lao Dong, Nhan Dan, and Ha Noi Moi. The scientific precision in his depiction of space and a deep passion for portraying people laid the foundation for his later portrait works.
Delicate engravings of inner worlds
Through his work, from the 1980s onward, Dinh Quang Tinh met many renowned painters, writers, musicians, and intellectuals. Driven by passion, he ventured into portrait painting to honor friends and artists he admired. This became a lifelong pursuit, spanning several decades.
Through nearly 300 portraits created over more than half a century, Mr. Tinh captured the elegance, mystery, pride, intelligence, and distinct personalities of a generation of Vietnamese intellectuals. Musician Van Cao is portrayed as gentle, like an old sage, with a touch of melancholy reminiscent of his song “Suối mơ.” Painter Nguyen Sang’s wisdom is evident beneath his simplicity, reflecting the rustic nature of a man from the southwestern region. Professor Van Nhu Cuong exudes a classic Russian style—resolute and profound. Writer Le Minh Khue is depicted as soft and feminine, yet her gaze is direct and sharp, much like the young volunteer heroines in her novels. Painter Luong Xuan Doan comes across as gentle and approachable, yet firm and decisive in his views.
A distinctive feature of Mr. Tinh’s work is his masterful use of chiaroscuro, employing light and shadow to emphasize the spiritual essence of his subjects within dark spaces. He also employs the glazing technique, giving his paintings a glossy, polished finish that captivates viewers at first glance. The final step in completing each portrait is capturing the reflected light in the subject’s eyes, revealing their demeanor and deep inner self.
Unforgettable faces
In 2009, Dinh Quang Tinh held his first solo exhibition at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, titled “Indestructible Diamond Faces”. The exhibition was an opportunity to showcase over 100 of his works and a meaningful cultural event commemorating the Millennial Anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.
In October 2024, Mr. Tinh will present more works in an exhibition titled “Indestructible Diamond Faces II”, unveiled exactly 15 years after the first exhibition. This exhibition features 80 outstanding works created before 2009 and from 2020 to the present. The works are diverse in medium and materials, including sketches, ink drawings, oil paintings, and pencil on canvas and Roki paper.
Even at the age of 80, Dinh Quang Tinh remains tirelessly creative in his small studio. For him, portrait art is not simply about recreating images but a way to convey emotions and profound life stories, while preserving precious moments over time.
