Painter Do Van Canh, known as "Canh Ga" (Chicken Canh), stood out among 81 artists participating in the “Dang tay” exhibition for a unique reason: he devotes most of his time to painting chickens.
A few works displayed at the exhibition

The “Dang tay” exhibition, organized by the Young Artists Club (Vietnam Fine Arts Association), recently opened at the Fine Arts Exhibition Hall, 16 Ngo Quyen Street (Hanoi), and will run through July 11. The showcase features over 80 works from 81 emerging painters who have made their mark in contemporary Vietnamese art, including names like Vang Hai Hung, Pham Anh, Nguyen Tuan Dung, Cao Van Thuc, Dinh Duy Ton, Nguyen Tuan Hoang, Le Trong Thanh, Trinh Ngoc Le, and Bach Nguyen.

The artwork presents diverse and emotional perspectives of young artists on human life, national culture, and personal introspection. Familiar and intimate imagery appears in paintings such as Family by Dang Hai Long, Reunion by Luong Thanh Loan, Under the Tree Canopy by Nguyen Phuong Quynh, and Silhouettes and the Flower Season by Nguyen Ngoc Hieu.

The exhibition also offers fresh cultural and ethnic insights through pieces like Milestone (Nguyen Dinh Manh), Lost Point (Dao Duc Loc), Running Within (Le Quynh Anh), Go (Ta Nguyen Cuong), and On the Water Surface (Mai Linh Dan).

Several pieces express internal struggles, identity questions, and the yearning for dialogue with modern society: Iron Lover (Ha Chi Duy Phuong), Human Dream (Le Anh), Forbidden Fruit (Nguyen Thuy Tien), The World and Paradise series (Do Viet Khoi), Stunned (Nguyen Ngoc Long), We Laugh and Cry Together by Tran Ngoc Linh Trang, and Don't Let the Raincoat Get Wet (Nguyen Duc Anh).

The spirit of the exhibition is encapsulated by billionaire Warren Buffett’s famous quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Dang tay represents not just a symbolic handshake among young artists but a gesture of shared emotion, responsibility, and artistic connection.

A painter with an endless love for chickens

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Artist Canh Ga with his painting “Summer Day”.
Some of Canh Ga's chicken paintings.

Making his debut at the Young Artists Club exhibition, Do Van Canh presented his painting Summer Day. The work depicts a chicken family gathered in a vibrant, joyful setting, symbolizing a warm, prosperous beginning.

A graduate of the University of Industrial Fine Arts in 2010, Canh once worked in design and paused painting for a time. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to the arts with a newfound inspiration centered on chickens.

“Chickens represent the five virtues: Literature, Martial Arts, Bravery, Kindness, and Integrity. These are human values I feel I can express through them,” said Canh.

To date, he has painted over 100 chicken-inspired pieces. At times, his works were purchased even before completion, as soon as they were posted online. “Many people believe chicken paintings bring luck, prosperity, and positive energy. That’s why I always try to infuse vitality and optimism into my art,” he shared.

Stylistically, Do Van Canh favors a bold compositional approach with clear blocks and defined colors - traits rooted in his training at the University of Industrial Fine Arts.

He is currently preparing for a solo exhibition dedicated to chicken-themed works, which he describes as “continuing the unfinished story of this humble but meaningful creature.”

At the opening ceremony, painter Luong Xuan Doan, President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, expressed deep admiration for the creativity and courage of today’s young artists: “I’m truly moved to see how confident, bold, and distinctive this generation is. You’ve gone beyond mere inspiration, transforming it into action and societal commentary. Where our generation hesitated, you now step forward with authenticity and resilience.”

Tinh Le