Sông Hương

n Perfumed River, Nguyen Van Minh creates a landscape of Hue that is both concrete and deeply evocative. The deep, dark river divides and simultaneously connects layers of space: the vibrant yellow trees in the distance, the upright bamboo stalks in the foreground, and the patches of reddish-brown leaves spread across the painting. The golden light reflected on the water creates a visual pathway, leading the viewer from the dark forest to the peaceful light on the other side of the river.

The lacquer medium is exploited through the contrast between black, yellow, vermilion, and deep blue, creating shimmering depth and a sense of antiquity. The scenery is not depicted in a completely realistic way but is condensed into patches of color, the rhythm of the trees, and reflections on the water. Through this, the Perfume River emerges not just as a geographical location, but as a space of cultural memory, where Hue's nature possesses a serene, profound, and poetic quality.