In their recent show at Phuong Mai Gallery in HCM City, a group of well-known artists show that age cannot diminish their creative powers.

Each artist exhibited one work last weekend at the Caravelle Hotel, a setting that was chosen by the gallery owner Nguyen Quang Cuong.

"Someone who comes here can enjoy live classical music, and drink wine while contemplating high-profile paintings," Cuong said. "It's an event about art, and an interesting meeting, not just for business-people."

Le Thanh Thu, 53, paints in a contemporary vein, and is influenced by his poetry. Everyday events of daily life are filtered through his artworks.

"Painting is a language, a way to communicate like the voice, which is a means to convey the proof of the belief in existence," Thu said.

Le Hon, who is in his 70s, and his son Le Nhu Lan, 35, have contrasting styles, with Hon displaying work in a more traditional manner.

"I love this painting by Le Nhu Lan. He expresses all the different feelings in a woman's face," said Le Thi May, a young gallery visitor said.

The acrylic and oil called Living Space IV 2008 by Le Thanh Thu was also a standout.

"It's a very interesting painting which can really make a difference. I like it because it tells me something about the hustle and bustle of life today," an Australian tourist said.

Source: VietNamNet/Viet Nam News