French painter with passion for Vietnam

The feel of the Vietnamese countryside, as described by poet Tran Dang Khoa, is vividly brought to life in 37 paintings by French artist Dominique De Miscault, currently on display at an exhibition in the Parisian suburb of Choisy-le-Roi.
De Miscault said she is inspired by a collection of Khoa’s poems which has been translated into French by Michele Sullivan using familiar Vietnamese images such as chicken, fish, storms, rain and villages.
She had the honour of meeting the poet, dubbed Vietnam ’s child prodigy poet, and said she was filled with admiration and esteem for him during the encounter.
Using a variety of techniques and colours, the painter portrays the Vietnamese countryside over a period of time from the 1960s and 1970s to the present day.
Visitors to the exhibition can see the interesting dynamic that results when a French painter interprets a Vietnamese poet’s description of his homeland.
To concur with the exhibition, a book of Dominique De Miscault’s paintings and Khoa’s poems has also been introduced, underlining both artist’s passion for Vietnam .
Nicole Trampoglieri, President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association in Choisy-le-Roi, said the exhibition, which combines the different arts of the poet, the painter and the translator, is a symbol of the friendship and solidarity between the French and Vietnamese peoples.
Daniel Davisse, Mayor of Choisy-le-Roi, said the exhibition kicks off a wide range of events the city is holding in its bid to host next year’s Vietnam-France Exchange Year.
The exhibition will last until March 4.