Sculptor Cao Dong Khoi: Carving the Central Highlands into Every Grain of Wood
In his private studio, sculptor Cao Dong Khoi (born in 1968), a member of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, works with quiet focus—never rushed, never repetitive, and always rooted in the lived realities of the Central Highlands’ ethnic communities.
A self-taught path shaped by passion and perseverance
Without formal academic training in fine arts, Cao Dong Khoi has developed a distinctive sculptural style, harmoniously blending strength and softness, as well as raw textures with smooth finishes.
After completing his military service, he chose Da Lat as the place to build his career, dedicating himself to woodcraft. His work brought him into close contact with the material, and from there, pieces of wood began to suggest forms and ideas. Initially carving to replicate shapes, he gradually moved toward sculpting to create expressive structures and emotional depth. The more he worked, the deeper his passion grew. He turned to books for inspiration, constantly exploring and learning to refine form, structure and contrast—highlighting roughness and angularity to breathe life into each piece. Mistakes were corrected; failed attempts were discarded.
Through persistence and dedication, Cao Dong Khoi has gradually made his mark among art audiences with bas-relief works such as "Stone Lithophone", (Dan da), "T’rung Xylophone", (Dan T'rung), "Brocade Weaving", (Det tho cam), "Going to the Fields", (Di lam nuong), "Pounding Rice under Moonlight", (Gia gao dem trang) and "Lovebirds", (Uyen uong)… These works, noted for their sharp yet fluid lines, have been featured at the annual “Colors of February” exhibition organized by the Lam Dong Literature and Arts Association each spring.
After three decades living in the region, the cultural essence of the Central Highlands—particularly that of the K’ho people—has permeated his sculptures, from the selection of themes and details to the treatment of form and structure. His works, including "Spirit of the Highlands", (Men Tay Nguyen), "The Source", (Suoi Nguon), "Spring Dance", (Vu dieu mua xuan), "Nho Saropu Ritual", (Le Nhon Saropu), "Village Elder", (Gia lang), and "Customary Law", (Luat tuc) ..., vividly portray both the material and spiritual life of the region’s ethnic communities with strong evocative power.
Vivid depictions of cultural life in the Central Highlands
The work Spirit of the Highlands portrays a young woman gently pouring water into a jar of rice wine, while a young man bends the drinking tube in a state of joyful intoxication. Among more than 4,000 entries from across the country, this piece was selected as one of over 200 works exhibited at the National Fine Arts Exhibition in Hanoi in 2023—an important milestone that affirmed the artist’s efforts and inspired him to continue creating.
Spring Dance captures the rhythmic essence of gong performances, employing asymmetrical balance to convey movement, with a young man playing gongs and a young woman performing the xoang dance in soft, fluid motion. Meanwhile, The Source is a multi-figure composition featuring details such as a rong house, rice mortar, gourds and woven baskets, recreating a communal living space.
Notably, Nho Saropu Ritual is a large sculptural ensemble composed of eight smaller figures and numerous intricate details, depicting a sacrificial ritual scene with ceremonial poles, wine jars and buffalo head symbols. At the Southeast Region Fine Arts Exhibition 2024, the work was recognized as one of two outstanding pieces nominated for an award by the National Union of Literature and Arts Associations.
The sculpture Village Elder distills its subject into a single figure standing solemnly within a stilt house space, adorned with characteristic motifs and patterns. The work was awarded Second Prize (with no First Prize awarded) in the 2025 “Lam Dong for Sustainable Development” literature and arts competition.
A lifelong commitment to art and cultural identity
At his home on An Ton Street (Cam Ly - Da Lat Ward), Cao Dong Khoi has set aside a dedicated creative space. Alongside dozens of completed works and awards, many unfinished pieces and emerging forms continue to take shape. Each sculpture carries its own unique character, reflecting a harmonious blend of technique and artistic expression rooted in the rich cultural identity of the Central Highlands.
He shared: “Creating a sculpture requires sustained effort—both intellectual and physical. A piece of wood already has its own inherent form, which can be brought to life; yet at times, it must be reshaped entirely—carved and sculpted according to the artist’s vision. From that process emerges a seamless combination of art and technique.”
Without formal academic training, Cao Dong Khoi’s works are not bound by rigid frameworks or theoretical conventions. They move beyond academic formulas, carrying a sense of spontaneity, creativity, and a distinctive artistic voice.
Sculptor Dinh Thanh, a master of Central Highlands wood sculpture