Tuoi Tre staff wins at UOB Painting of the Year with work inspired by chest X-ray, heart ICD

In the emerging artist category, Thuan was named Most Promising Artist of the Year 2025 (Vietnam) for his work “Self-Portrait, 2025 (Life Takes Root in Me under the Shadow of a Tree).”

The painting marks Thuan’s artistic debut at the age of 53, drawing from the chest X-ray and ICD that have accompanied his journey for ten years.

The device connects directly to his heart like a “mother tree” rooted within him, reviving him with powerful electric shocks whenever his heart stops.

Yet it also makes him wonder how human “authenticity” will be defined in the future.

Judge and painter Do Hoang Tuong said the painting is one of the few entries that expressed genuine emotion, a vital element in the creative process.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pamela Nguyen Corey, another judge said the work blurs the boundaries between figuration and abstraction, between historical documentation and imagination.

Born in 1972 in Binh Thuan Province, now Lam Dong Province, Nguyen Ngoc Thuan graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts and has worked as an illustrator and writer at Tuoi Tre newspaper ever since.

He is also an acclaimed writer, known for his literary works “Vua Nham Mat Vua Mo Cua So” (Open The Window, Eyes Closed) and “Co Ban la Buon” (Basically Sad).

He joined the 2025 UOB Painting of the Year as a way to mark his return to fine arts, and the award is proof that it is never too late to begin.

Meanwhile, the UOB Painting of the Year 2025 (Vietnam) award was presented to Cao Van Thuc for his artwork “Temporary Connection,” which portrays a group of workers crowded together on the back of a truck, clinging to one another for both warmth and connection.

For the 30-year-old artist, the 2025 UOB Painting of the Year award is both a great honor and a memorable milestone in his artistic journey.

As the top winner in Vietnam, Thuc will go on to compete with fellow national winners from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand for the prestigious 2025 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year title, which will be announced at the awards ceremony in November in Singapore.

Currently held in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the competition aims to uncover the next generation of great Southeast Asian artists, and contribute to increased awareness and appreciation of art.

Launched in 1982, the UOB Painting of the Year is the longest-running in Singapore and one of the most recognised in Southeast Asia.

The 2025 edition marks the third time the annual art competition has been held in Vietnam.

Winning and finalist works from the 2025 UOB Painting of the Year (Vietnam) are now exhibited at Chillala House of Art in Ho Chi Minh City until October 27.