The art varies widely in terms of subject matter, artistic talent, and choice of medium. I saw oils on canvas, laquer on wood, some watercolors, and some pottery as well. Styles ranged all over from impressionism to realism to surrealism. A few artists clearly were inspired by Klimpt, some by Picasso, others by Monet. Many subjects were repeated across the ten galleries I visited: Buddhist monks (up to five abreast) walking away from the viewer into nothingness on a background of yellow; a pensive young woman alone in traditional dress; and the back streets of Hanoi in the afternoon light. The gallery managers all spoke good English and were very solicitous. I may have to visit the fine arts museum.
As I mentioned, on the same street were a number of bookstores. We are unable to visit a foreign country without purchasing a few language texts and translators dictionaries, and Vietnam is no exception!
