Linh Chi (Nguyễn Tài Lương) | 1921 - 2016

Linh Chi, whose real name is Nguyễn Tài Lương, was born in 1921 and belongs to the second generation of painters who commenced their artistic careers during the First Resistance War (1946-1954) against French colonialism. Painting played a crucial role in the resistance effort as a means of popularizing the cause. It became an effective tool for disseminating resistance guidelines and policies, as well as fostering the construction of a new life during the war.

However, Linh Chi stands apart from the majority of artists who focused on creating propaganda paintings. His genre paintings capture life in its purest form. His works predominantly feature portraits of women, ethnic girls, and landscapes. His artistic style is heavily influenced by his professor, Tô Ngọc Vân, with whom he shared a close friendship and was one of his exceptional students. Tô Ngọc Vân is renowned as a prominent Vietnamese silk painter.

If the Indochina period served as a gateway for Vietnamese art to the world, then the First Resistance War against French colonialism acted as a pivotal link connecting Indochina to Vietnamese contemporary art in subsequent years. We firmly believe that this significant chapter in Vietnamese art history warrants further exploration, particularly through the exceptional works of artists like Linh Chi (Nguyễn Tài Lương).