Mesmerising. Nguyen Thi Mai’s art draws you in. The first time I saw her works, they reminded me of Keith Haring. Looking closer, it felt like I was watching the evolution of the iconography associated with the Đông Sơn drum. It was a privilege to feature Nguyen Thi Mai’s artworks in Mads Magazine, issue #4.
When I got handed her book to review, it was both an honour and a daunting task. It has taken quite some time to put the words in order. How to start? The book itself will do justice on any coffee table around the world.
The forewords give insight into Nguyen Thi Mai’s background and inspiration. She works with traditional lacquer as well as silk painting. She is self-taught, a remarkable achievement considering the level of both craftsmanship and artistic expression.
It is not a book. It is a window into an artistic soul, not afraid of exploring. To Nguyen Thi Mai, her art is meditation, a dialogue, inner exploration and expression of emotions.
Her style is unique, and collectors are noticing. As Nguyen Thi Mai studied the old masters, the new generation will admire her art. Nguyen Thi Mai is a name to remember, and this is a book you will treasure.
The book is available here: Thames & Hudson or Amazon