Joint exhibition promotes works of Lao artists

More than 60 colourful paintings and prints are on display, including watercolours on silk, as well as acrylic pieces depicting aspects of Lao culture, nature and the modernisation of the lifestyle of various ethnic groups.

 

The paintings and prints are the work of Sivilay Saypaserth, Phouthone Vithainorath and Oudomxay Thammavongsa, all talented local artists.

 

The three artists are also teachers at the National Institute of Fine Arts who, after  graduating from fine arts schools, went on to work as teachers and resident artists and have produced many pieces for exhibition.

 

However this is the first time they have exhibited their work together as a trio, choosing this time to collaborate in staging the exhibition.

 

Sivilay is displaying his watercolours on silk and paintings, Phouthone his acrylic paintings, and Oudomxay his mix of coloured paintings and prints.

 

The exhibition will run until October 12. Art lovers and interested people can visit La Maison de la Culture, to which entrance is free, and support the artists by purchasing one of their pieces.

 

The opening ceremony took place on Monday evening and was attended by a large number of art lovers.

 

At the opening ceremony, Mr Sivilay represented the artists to welcome the audience, offered his impressions of the displayed artwork, explained the background and purpose of the event, and urged the audience to enjoy the items on display.

 

Phouthone told Vientiane Times he was very happy to take part in the exhibition and called on members of the public to visit and witness the beauty of the artists’ work.

 

“I am very happy to take part by displaying my artwork here. I have exhibited my pieces many times in Laos and other countries. But this time is special because I am displaying my work with two other Lao artists and we want to present the output of Lao artists to both local and foreign art lovers. We want people to know that Lao artists can do what artists in other countries can do and that our work is as beautiful as theirs,” he said.

 

Oudomxay said he too was very happy to display his work alongside that of his colleagues and explained the importance of his creations and asked members of the public to support the artists.

 

“I love creating art, especially painting and printmaking. Art is very important because it helps to make people feel relaxed while the pieces on display here reflect Lao style and our culture and traditions.”

 

“Creating art is not easy because it takes time and you need special techniques and skills. I would like to invite all art lovers to visit the exhibition, learn about our work and support us,” he added.