Chăn trâu

Phạm Lực's "Chăn trâu" (Buffalo Herding) masterfully captures a poignant slice of Vietnamese rural childhood memory through the distinct medium of lacquer. The artist employs a stark yet powerful composition, depicting a buffalo herder and his faithful companion with unrefined, decisive strokes. The dominant palette of warm browns, deep blacks, and creamy whites, coupled with the unique craquelure inherent to lacquer, imbues the artwork with depth and an antique resonance. The raw simplicity of the forms and the contemplative gazes evoke a timeless serenity, echoing tranquil countryside scenes and the profound bond between humanity and nature.