Da Lat Through the Eyes of Russian Artist Kuzmin Roman
The familiar landscapes of Da Lat have been transformed into fresh visual experiences by Kuzmin Roman, an artist hailing from Russia. Every line, color rhythm, and composition in his work reflects his deep affection for Da Lat.
During his artist residency in Xuan Huong – Da Lat, Kuzmin Roman was particularly captivated by the rolling hills, pine forests, winding roads, signature flora, and above all, the exceptional hospitality of the local residents.
"Da Lat boasts immense natural beauty, and its people are remarkably friendly and welcoming. I am thrilled to explore the charm of this land," Roman said.
The poetic charm, serene atmosphere, and romantic scenery of the highland area, coupled with the relaxed pace of local life, served as artistic catalysts for Roman’s plein air paintings of the environment and its people.
"Although these are plein air depictions of the nature and people of Da Lat, they feature a color palette that is distinctly Russian. Artist Roman painted Da Lat with a Russian soul and palette," said Vi Quoc Hiep, former Chairman of the Arts Council for the Vietnam Fine Arts Association in Lam Dong Province.
The colors in Roman’s paintings lean heavily toward the classical academic tradition, reflecting the rigorous training typical of artists trained at prestigious fine arts institutions in Moscow. Through keen observation, Roman offers a distinct perspective on Da Lat. Under his brushwork, Da Lat emerges as simultaneously familiar and novel, evocative and inviting new discovery.
Dr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, a faculty member at Yersin University of Da Lat who previously studied and conducted research in Russia, initiated the invitation for Roman to paint in Da Lat. Dr. Cuong noted that beyond providing local art enthusiasts with an opportunity to view Roman’s work, the initiative aims to showcase the beauty of the region's nature and people to audiences in Russia through the output of an artist who enjoys widespread popularity in his home country.
The event also served as an opportunity for Vietnamese artists in general, and those from Xuan Huong – Da Lat and Lam Dong Province in particular, to gather, exchange ideas, and share insights on contemporary painting trends with Kuzmin Roman. It simultaneously opened avenues for a deeper understanding of Russian art and its people—longtime close friends of the Vietnamese people.
According to Vi Quoc Hiep, Roman’s paintings possess remarkable depth. His diverse color palette evokes fresh emotions, capturing Xuan Huong – Da Lat as a serene highland destination.
"Vietnamese and Russians share a close aesthetic mindset and artistic inspiration," Vi Quoc Hiep added. "Roman’s paintings clearly demonstrate this connection."
Roman shared that another subject he pursued during his artist residency was fine art nude painting, representing aesthetic explorations of the contours and colors of the female form.
Vi Quoc Hiep evaluated Roman’s fine art nude works as masterfully rendered, characterized by a delicate balance of reveal and concealment, and driven by high creativity.