The Beginning

I was born in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, but my roots lie in Hanoi, where I returned at 17 to pursue a degree in journalism. My writing career began early – at just 15, I started publishing short stories and poetry in national student and arts newspapers and magazines. Graduating a year ahead of my peers at 22, I spent the first decade of my career immersed in the world of arts and literature through journalism.

In 1999, I played a pivotal role in establishing one of Vietnam’s first online newspapers, now known as Dan Tri. Throughout my journalism career, I devoted most of my passion to arts and culture, especially literature and painting. During that time, I had the opportunity to interview and meet many painters and artists, many of whom influenced my later journey into painting. One artist who had a significant impact on me, though not in terms of style, was abstract painter Trần Nhật Thăng, whose work deeply inspired my creative exploration.

By 2004, I co-founded my first marketing agency with my fiancé, marking the beginning of my journey as a businesswoman. Over the years, I’ve successfully organized numerous international arts, culture, music, and cinema events and festivals, showcasing my versatility and passion for the creative industries.

In 2012, my husband, young son, and I moved to Ho Chi Minh City. The natural environment and climate resonated with my emotions and personality, leading to significant spiritual and philosophical growth after I overcame a period of depression in 2013. During that time of isolation, I faced what I call my “dark night of the soul” and emerged as a more courageous person, ready to take on challenges that societal and familial expectations had previously constrained. One of the bold steps I took was picking up a paintbrush without any formal training – a leap of faith that would change my life.

Transition to Painting

In 2018, my artistic journey took a significant turn when I began painting in a modern impressionist style, characterized by my use of pastel colors. This palette creates a soft, soothing atmosphere, allowing me to explore the delicate balance between emotion and technique. My work blends quick, energetic brushstrokes with a gentle, contemplative spirit, drawing viewers into a serene yet dynamic visual experience. Despite being self-taught, my extensive background in writing and the arts helped me quickly develop a distinctive style, one that prioritizes emotional depth over technical precision.

However, my journey into painting actually began earlier, during a pivotal period of my life. Without any formal training, I let my instincts guide me, producing over 20 works driven purely by intuition. At that time, I also gave birth to twin boys, becoming a mother of four. Though I wanted to learn from available resources, my demanding schedule made it nearly impossible. I painted in the quiet hours after my children were asleep, and this lack of instruction allowed my natural sensitivity to flourish. I quickly mastered the use of colors and brushstrokes, with my soft pastel hues and modern impressionist techniques offering a stark contrast to my assertive business persona – revealing a softer, more introspective side of me.

First Exhibition

In 2023, I held my debut exhibition at Define Gallery Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City. This marked a major moment in my artistic journey. The exhibition featured 20 of my paintings across four categories: floral, abstract, landscape, and portrait. It was made possible thanks to the encouragement of a Korean-American friend who owns the gallery and holds a degree in Art History from the University of Virginia, as well as the support of sculptor-painter Đàm Đăng Lại. After much hesitation and many refusals to sell or exhibit my work, I finally agreed to present it to the public.

However, during this exhibition, I chose not to sell my paintings, even though many friends and foreign tourists expressed interest. Some even returned several times to make offers, but I decided not to sell because I didn’t have time to create more art due to my business commitments. This website marks the first time I’m officially selling my artworks.

Between 2019 and 2024, I traveled extensively to various countries for work, visiting museums in major cities such as Paris, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Venice, Prague, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, The Hague, New York, New Haven, Bang Kok, Hong Kong, Seoul, Daegu, Busan… Viewing masterpieces by renowned artists during these travels significantly shaped my artistic vision and creativity. I create art without relying on inspiration – I can work anywhere, anytime, as long as I have the time and tools to paint.

In 2024, one of my paintings was unexpectedly selected as the key visual for the inaugural Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF). At the time, I was serving as both the Festival Deputy Executive Director and Creative Director. For days, I had been working closely with my creative team, briefing them on different concepts for the key visual. However, none of the proposed options fully satisfied the Board of Directors. Then, one day, the Artistic Director walked into my office and noticed a painting on my wall. Without knowing it was my work, he immediately decided that this piece would be perfect as the festival’s key visual.

The painting, a bokeh image of Saigon’s streetlights, captures the energy of a vibrant, tropical city that never sleeps, evoking the cinematic qualities of film. It was only after his decision that he learned it was one of my creations.

My husband and I co-founded HIFF after nearly 20 years of working together to establish and manage companies and projects in the media and entertainment industry. HIFF is the third international-scale festival we’ve founded, spanning three different artistic sectors – music, cinema, and manga comics.

Poetry and Writing

In addition to painting, I’m also an accomplished poet, writing with the same ease I paint. My Zen-inspired poetry explores themes of mindfulness and presence, reflecting my deep connection to the present moment. I’ve written thousands of poems, but rarely stored or archived them, typically sharing them with friends or posting them on social media. For the first time, I’m now compiling my poetry, making an effort to preserve this side of my creative expression.

I’ve also written two novels, but they remain unpublished. These works are deeply personal, and I’ve chosen to keep them private for now.

Upcoming projects

I now focus on both painting and writing, balancing these two creative outlets with my philosophy of celebrating the present. I’m currently working on a book for self-taught artists, set to be published at the end of this year. This book will offer insights and guidance for aspiring artists looking to forge their own path, drawing on my experiences as a self-taught artist.