New from Vietnam

Linden Gallery is featuring contemporary Vietnamese art rendered in colorful lacquer. Lacquer ware techniques were introduced by the Chinese more than 600 years ago, and have since been adapted throughout Asia. Lacquer is a clear sap that is harvested much like rubber. Creating a lacquer painting is a long process that may take several months. After a board is treated with several layers of colored lacquer, the design is drawn in chalk. White color is added through the use of eggshell, and a pattern is carved out in the board. Clear lacquer is applied and left to dry, and the painting is then polished. The paintings are stunningly luminous, with crushed eggshells adding texture. The effect is like looking at color under a thin, still puddle of water.

The new oil paintings at Linden’s also depict city and country life in bold colors. Artist Nguyen Anh Vu was born and grew up in Hanoi. Anh Vu is interested in Impressionism, and brings Hanoi street scenes, flower fields, and schoolgirls in their traditional dress into his works.

In addition to paintings created by several artists, the Lindens also gathered beautiful decorative items for the home in brilliant lacquer. Jewelry boxes, trays, and vessels are some of the treasures brought back from Vietnam.

Linden Gallery is located at 12001 Mink River Road in Ellison Bay. For more information call 920.854.2487 or visit lindensgallery.com.