Vu Anh and the story behind "Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do"
Mention the name artist Vu Anh, and audiences are likely to recall scenes of soaring birds, blossoming flowers, the vibrant pulse of springtime, or ordinary moments depicted in richly emotional watercolor tones. Among his most intricate and distinctive works, "Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do" stands out as a testament to his artistic vision. Join us as we explore the story behind this remarkable painting and uncover the significance of birds in harmony with nature - a recurring motif in artist Vu Anh’s creative world.
Who is Vu Anh?
Born in 1987 in Phu Ninh district, Quang Nam province, Vu Anh is an artist whose creative journey traverses both painting and the language of cinema. A graduate of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Art (2006–2011), he later continued his studies in Ho Chi Minh City College of Stage Performance and Cinematics (2014–2018). This unique background has shaped Vu Anh’s artistic outlook, blending visual storytelling with a cinematic sense of narrative.
Over more than 13 years devoted to painting, Vu Anh has explored various genres and media-from smoke art and coffee paintings to oil on canvas. Always driven by curiosity and innovation, his works embody a spirit of experimentation and relentless creativity. Vu Anh’s art often reflects a sense of freedom, migration, and the profound relationship between nature and humanity -a synthesis of reality and imagination. In his eyes, nature is not merely a subject, but a wellspring of memories, childhood, nostalgia, and awakened freedom.
Portrait of artist Vu Anh
The Story of "Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do"
"Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do" is one of artist Vu Anh’s signature paintings-not only remarkable for its scale and technical mastery, but also for the deeply personal story it tells through the image of a lively flock of sparrows alighting on a branch laden with persimmons. Here is Vu Anh’s own heartfelt reflection on the work, as quoted by Green Palm:
“I was born into a farming family in a sunny and windy hometown – Quang Nam. Since childhood, I was extremely lucky to grow up next to my Father. In my memory, I still cannot forget the time I asked my Father, “Does anything last forever, Father?”. My father smiled and said it could only be moments…
Only later, when I grew up, experiencing sadness, joy, pain, and events… did I fully understand the meaning of my Father’s words. It’s true that it can only be a “moment”, an unintentional moment will pass through your eyes and across your thoughts in countless moments, but there will only be one “golden moment” that stays in your mind forever and cannot go away.
The flock of sparrows playing and chirping on the tree branches was such a moment… it remained forever in my thoughts from childhood until one day I decided to express it in my work. To realize a golden moment on a blank page is not easy at all, from arranging the layout to choosing the number of characters in your work. I decided to learn about feng shui numbers for this particular work…
The work “Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do” is a large and unique work of mine, depicting in sharp detail the happy, chirping charisma of 29 sparrows perched on a persimmon branch laden with 99 ripe persimmons. Sweet berries! I chose these two most beautiful numbers to symbolize “eternal longevity” and “forever good fortune” for the homeowner who is destined to own the work!. Each portrait of a sparrow is a separate story that creates an overall peace and happiness that spreads throughout the entire work. And those emotions will come to viewers endlessly when they see the work in a majestic space dedicated to it!
After looking at my work for a long time, I decided to name the work “Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do”. “Quan Tuoc” is a large flock of sparrows gathering together. “Cao Thanh” is a persimmon tree that grows wild on the mountainside. “Dai Do” is a big picture. The overall name is a large picture depicting the happy gathering of a large flock of sparrows on a branch of a persimmon tree laden with fruit in the ripe season growing on the mountainside
"Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do", an intricately crafted painting by Vu Anh
Discover more works by artist Vu Anh
Beyond "Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do," the artistic universe of Vu Anh unfolds across a diverse portfolio of watercolors on paper. Birds and elements of nature remain prominent throughout his work, capturing the dynamic hues of spring, moments of quiet happiness, and a vibrant inner life-each expressed through color and composition. Green Palm Gallery is pleased to present several representative pieces by artist Vu Anh from our collection.
Peach blossom
"Peach blossom" is a watercolor on paper measuring 80 x 130 cm. In this piece, the essence of spring reveals itself subtly and gently. Peach blossoms emerge delicately against a lush pink background, blending layers of reality and dream.
At the center, four lively birds evoke the warm, uniting spirit of the season. From its color palette and design to minute detail, "Hoa dao" emanates purity, peace, and life. The painting not only recreates the splendor of nature in bloom, but also stirs gentle joy in viewers through familiar, tranquil moments of everyday existence.
The exuberance of spring shines through in "Peach blossom" by artist Vu Anh
Happy day
"Happy day" is a watercolor on paper, 38.5 x 54 cm. Here, happiness is expressed not through the human gaze or smile, but through the vitality of the natural world: tender shoots, vivid green leaves, shy buds, and blossoms unfurling in radiant colors. These layers-vivid in some places, blurred in others-evoke the floating, elated sensations of joy.
Amid this swirl, a small bird stretches inquisitively, as if absorbing all the surrounding beauty. This detail not only enlivens the piece but mirrors the artist’s process: quietly observing, preserving these fragile moments of happiness, and transforming them into crystalline washes of color on paper.
Experience the exuberant joy within "Happy day" by Vu Anh
Aspiration
"Aspiration" is a watercolor on paper, size 75.5 x 56 cm. Continuing the motif of birds and laden persimmon branches, this painting narrows its focus to a single bird, wings unfurled-offering a departure from the ensemble of "Quan Tuoc Cao Thanh Dai Do." Here, Vu Anh zeroes in on one bird in vivid, lifelike detail.
The bird, though alone, does not appear vulnerable. Its poised, soaring gesture, set against a radiant background, captures the work’s core spirit: courage, vitality, and aspiration. The interplay between the bird’s delicate form and the powerful motion makes "Manh me" an evocative tribute to inner strength.
The expressive winged motif in Vu Anh’s "Aspiration" is rich with meaning
For art lovers seeking to explore more of artist Vu Anh’s paintings or to find a piece suited to your space or emotional resonance, we invite you to browse the Green Palm Gallery collection or contact us for personalized consultation.
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GREEN PALM GALLERY Gallery in Ha Noi: 39 Hang Gai, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Gallery in HCM City: 49 Mac Thi Buoi, HCM City, Viet Nam
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