At the opening of Lotus Art Gallery in Van Phuc, Ha Dong, painter Kim Duc showcased a single artwork - the painting "Lien Hoa Tinh Canh" (Pure Lotus Scene).

The piece is reproduced in various sizes. This artistic decision reflects not only a unique creative vision but also the deeply personal philosophy of artist Kim Duc.

Previously, “Lien Hoa Tinh Canh” was the only artwork selected by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha as the official gift for international delegates at the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak. It was also displayed beside Buddha relics - recognized as India’s national treasure - when they were enshrined at several religious sites in Vietnam.

“I chose to focus on a single painting because it carries a special spiritual connection. I created it after meeting respected leaders of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The lotus is a symbol of Buddhism, and I want to bring it into people’s homes as a blessing for peace and mindfulness,” Kim Duc shared.

Self-taught and driven by passion, Kim Duc came to art through personal dedication. From her early sketches as a child, she instinctively gravitated toward the lotus motif.

“A teacher once told me: ‘If you can paint the lotus and Goddess of Mercy, you accumulate immense spiritual merit.’ Since then, I’ve been devoted to painting lotus flowers. Even during times I thought I could no longer hold a brush, the strokes returned to me effortlessly once I sat down,” she recalled.

Though many have expressed interest in purchasing the original, she declined, instead choosing to reproduce the painting in multiple sizes so that anyone may own it. “Selling art isn’t my main focus. After operational costs are deducted, all proceeds from the prints will be donated to Buddhist activities,” she emphasized.

The painting will soon be made available in China. Kim Duc reiterated that she is unconcerned with profits. All net proceeds from the sales will be dedicated to Buddhist philanthropic causes.

First Vietnamese artist to use NFT verification to combat art forgery

For the first time in Vietnam, an artist has employed verification technology using serial codes and electronic chips (NFT) to protect the copyright and authenticity of her artwork.

“Buyers can rest assured that the painting they own is an official, copyrighted edition. I hope this sets a positive precedent for other artists to adopt technology in preserving the integrity of their creative work,” Kim Duc said.

At the exhibition, Phung Kim Phong, a representative of Lotus Art Gallery, explained: “We use a unique authentication code for each piece. Buyers only need a smartphone to verify the artwork’s origin and confirm it is an authorized edition by Kim Duc or a licensed distributor.”

Each painting also contains a digital verification chip akin to a digital signature, employing NFT technology to prevent duplication.

According to Phong, consumers deserve to receive genuine artwork when they are willing to pay real money. “If someone spends even a small amount for an original, they shouldn’t end up with a mass-produced copy. That undermines not only their trust but also the value of art.”

“Authentication reflects respect for customers and a commitment to quality by both the artist and the distributor. It is not just a responsibility = it’s an ethical obligation,” Phong affirmed.

Tinh Le