Portugal 2004: A Flame of Inspiration and Kindred Spirits

Every time I look again at the photographs of my 2004 solo exhibition in Portugal, I am overcome with emotion. Beautiful memories from more than twenty years ago come flooding back, whole and untouched. It was a memorable milestone, marking a period of soaring creativity, full of energy and passion, in my life as an artist.

When I see the words “TRAN HONG DUC – Pintor Vietnamita” set with such care on the wall of the City Museum’s Chiado building, for the exhibition from 26 February to 28 March 2004, it feels as if it all happened only yesterday. The fruit of so many days spent at the easel was shown in an elegant space steeped in the culture of Coimbra — once the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, and home to the country’s oldest university, founded in 1290. Standing in the middle of the museum, I was overwhelmed with happiness, watching strokes of colour that carried the soul of Việt Nam meet the rapt gaze of a Western audience who loved art.

Yet for such beautiful things to come true, I could not walk alone. From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my deep gratitude to an honoured friend from Portugal, Mr Fausto Oliveira. He was not only the one who devotedly organised the event, but also a kindred spirit who always gave me great encouragement. His faith in my art was a powerful source of motivation that gave me the confidence to take my work further.

And above all, behind the moments of elation, behind the applause and the gallery lights, there has always been the most peaceful harbour of all: family. Vân Anh, my wife, my steadfast support — always by my side, always generous and understanding — became the anchor that let me live my passion fully and give myself tirelessly to creation. The image of that beloved woman, graceful in a traditional Vietnamese áo dài, walking radiantly among international friends in a space where cultures met through art, is the most beautiful proof of that companionship and wholehearted sharing.

The memory of Chiado in 2004 is not only a milestone in my career. It is a memory of friendship across nations, of family love and of a time of passionate art-making. Those moments will always be a warm flame, giving energy and inspiration to my brushstrokes on the road ahead.