Tô Đậm (Bold Stroke)
2017 - ongoing
Tô Đậm was born out the common love for traveling, the arts and volunteer works. In the past 5 years, we have covered 6 elementary schools, hosted various workshops for both participants and students. But more than that, we have found in each other and the remote schools we traveled to - a sense of belonging, of being in service, of growing into a more beautiful and joyful version of ourselves.
Once a featured artist in season 02 (2018), I grew into a core team member, now taking charge of art direction and guidance for emerging artists. Each season, we handpick 1-2 artists who would go on a field trip to create original artworks that represent the local culture, its land and people. From the sea turtles of Núi Chúa national park to the mother tongue of Raglai people, from the elephants of Yok Đôn to the palm groves of Sóc Trăng province - we embrace the lands we visit and transmute that fascination into murals that would stay with that land for years to come.
Photo by Tô Đậm
“Tô Đậm’s purpose is to give artists a chance to step out of their comfort zone and gain a different perspective from meeting people on the other side of life. In return, the local community gets a second glance at the beauty and the hidden charm of their land through the eyes of the artists.”
"Their collective works cannot be found at any galleries or museums, even if you look. But if you’re keen on taking a cross-country trip, you might catch Tô Đậm’s bright and colorful paintings permanently residing on the walls of schools in remote corners of Vietnam."
