Contemporary Works of Nhat Tran of Indianapolis Take Center-Stage at Asian Lacquer International
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Gregory Disney-Britton
NEW YORK---Indianapolis-based artist Nhat Tran will join dozens of artists and scholars from around the world at SUNY Buffalo State on Monday for a four-day symposium dedicated to the ancient art of Asian lacquer.
To accompany the conference, the Burchfield Penney Art Center will host “Asian Lacquer International,” an exhibition that explores artists’ diverse uses of lacquer – an expensive resin extracted from trees found only in Asia – in decoration, painting and sculpture. While ancient art is on the schedule, a highlight of the gathering will be contemporary uses of the medium, such as the luminous, other-worldly paintings of Vietnam-born artist Nhat Tran, a two-time Creative Renewal Arts Fellow of the Arts Council of Indianapolis.
By Gregory Disney-Britton
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| “Regardless of Explanation,” a lacquer painting by Nhat Tran. Image courtesy of The Buffalo News. |
Comments
I just got back from an exceptionally productive international lacquer boot camp/symposium at Buffalo State. It was a complete and exciting examination and observation of lacquer from many angles. I was overwhelmed with informative lectures, workshops, and an exhibition led by national living treasures, experts, scientists, conservators, museum curators, and artists from Germany, Belgium, South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, including even a Vatican conservator. I have learned many impressive things from the latest information about the biochemistry of urushi and how to repair to maintain the artworks. As I am working now on the document to help preserve the longevity of a lacquer artwork and hopefully will be able to release soon to my art collectors . Once again, I was honored that my artwork was chosen for the symposium's poster image as well as showcased in the newspaper and website press releases. Last but not least, I am also delighted to announce that my exhibition's opening at the Jackson Contemporary Art Gallery, Columbus will take place on June 7. I will be soon sending out invitations, please save the date if you can. Cheers with wine and chocolate !
Nhat