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"The structure in my paintings tells the viewer many things beyond the surface. The aim in my work is to condense the narrative. There are never a lot of people in my paintings. I like minimal subject and a maximum idea just like Japanese Haiku or Tang dynasty poetry. I like Haiku very much because it is very simple and contains many ideas. I have no difficulty with simplicity but I need a lot of time for a painting. Sometimes I work on a painting for a few days, a few weeks, or even years." - Nguyen Thanh Binh

Rural Beauty captures the gracefulness of a Vietnamese woman dressed in the traditional ao dai and a nón lá (leaf hat). Nguyen Thanh Binh is heavily influenced by the ancient Chinese paintings tradition and old Japanese woodcarvings where space forms an essential part of the composition. Binh's works possess large areas of space which bring tranquility to his subjects. By omitting the unnecessary details, Binh captures the iridescent essence of colour which gives a sense of subtlety and elegance to his works that is somewhat romantic.

Nguyen Thanh Binh was enrolled at the Vietnam Fine Arts College, Hanoi in 1965 and later graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts University in1983. He has participated in numerous group exhibitions worldwide including the UK, USA, Australia and Hong Kong.