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Mai Trung-Thu Biography
Mai Trung Thu, also known by his artist name Mai-Thu, was a distinguished Vietnamese-French painter, born on November 10, 1906, in the village of Rho-Nha, Kien-An province, near Haiphong in Northern Vietnam. His life and career spanned a period of significant historical and cultural shifts, both within Vietnam and globally, and his work reflects a deep engagement with these changes, as well as a profound connection to his Vietnamese heritage.
Mai Trung Thu was born into a family of high social standing; his father, Mai Trung Cat, was a mandarin and governor of the Bac Ninh region. Despite the prestige associated with his family, Mai Trung Thu's life took a different path, especially after the mandarin system of government was abolished in 1915. This period marked a turning point for Vietnam, as it navigated the complexities of colonial rule and the influences of Western culture and education.
In 1925, Mai Trung Thu became part of the inaugural class of the École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine in Hanoi, a pivotal institution in the development of modern Vietnamese art. The school was established by the French to teach European methods and classical stylistic principles while encouraging students to retain the use of Vietnamese mediums and artistic traditions. During his time at the École, Mai Trung Thu, alongside contemporaries such as Le Pho, developed a distinctive style that synthesized various techniques and media to create new and distinctive styles. His early art celebrated folk themes and the innocence of rural Vietnam, suggesting a nostalgia for the past.
After graduating in 1930, Mai Trung Thu was appointed to teach drawing at the Lycée Français in Hue, where he also mastered the doc-huyen, the traditional Vietnamese monochord instrument. His stay in Hue was marked by an intense period of creativity and exploration, during which he solidified his position in the modern painting sector. In 1937, Mai Trung Thu traveled to France to attend the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne in Paris. This trip marked the beginning of his long and productive career in France, where he would live for the rest of his life.
Mai Trung Thu's work is characterized by its focus on themes of rural life in Vietnam, depicted in oil and later in silk, a medium that ultimately helped him gain fame. His paintings are known for their bright colors and the depiction of gentle, serene figures, often women and children, set against the backdrop of the Vietnamese countryside. These works reflect a blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics, representing the new identity of Vietnamese modern art.
Throughout his career, Mai Trung Thu participated in numerous exhibitions around the world, including in Italy, Belgium, the US, and France. His work has been recognized for its contribution to the diversity of contemporary silk painting and for capturing the essence of Vietnamese culture and identity. Mai Trung Thu's paintings have been exhibited in major galleries and museums, and his legacy continues to influence new generations of artists.
Mai Trung Thu's life was not only dedicated to painting but also to filmmaking and music. He was known as an expert player of the đàn bầu, a one-stringed instrument, and made significant contributions to the collection of valuable data about President Ho Chi Minh and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam through his documentaries.
Mai Trung Thu passed away on October 10, 1980, in Clichy, France. His remains were initially buried in the Vanves cemetery in the Hauts-de-Seine department but were transferred in 2019 to the family plot in Rho Nha, Kien An province, Vietnam, where he now rests with his family. Mai Trung Thu's work continues to be celebrated for its beauty, technical skill, and deep emotional resonance, securing his place as one of the most important figures in the history of Vietnamese art.
Mai Trung-Thu Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
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receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
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