Hanoi and Arts
Art has been my quiet companion since childhood—capturing Hanoi's soul on paper with watercolors and acrylics, finding beauty in the everyday architecture that surrounds me. This page is dedicated to Bao.TryStudio, my personal art space where I explore the city's timeless charm through paintings, workshops, and charity initiatives. It's more than a hobby; it's a way to preserve memories, inspire others, and give back—turning personal passion into shared stories and meaningful impact.
The idea for Bao.TryStudio emerged in late 2023, rooted in my lifelong love for Hanoi's unique architecture. Growing up amid narrow tube houses, bustling Old Quarter streets, aging apartment blocks, and moss-covered tiled roofs, I felt compelled to capture their fleeting beauty—the way rain glistens on old walls, how light filters through leafy alleys, or the quiet nostalgia of forgotten corners.
I founded the studio as a personal space specializing in acrylic and watercolor paintings that depict these iconic scenes. Each piece starts with emotional inspiration: a walk through the rain-soaked streets, memories of childhood homes, or the vibrant chaos of daily life in the capital. Themes evolved naturally into signature series: "Hanoi in the Rain," "Memories of Tube Houses," "Streets of the Old Quarter," "Moss-Covered Roofs," and "Dear Old Apartment Blocks."
Painting became my way of preserving Hanoi's rapidly changing urban landscape. In a city modernizing quickly, these works honor the soulful details—the peeling paint, rusted balconies, and enduring resilience—that define its character. The studio grew beyond solo creation; I wanted to share this passion.
Founding Bao.TryStudio – A Personal Journey into Hanoi's Urban Soul
December 2023 – Present
Workshops, Charity, and Sharing the Creative Process To extend the studio's reach, I personally designed and led five signature workshops for over 80 middle school students. Each session focused on one theme: guiding participants from personal emotional inspiration (sharing stories of their own Hanoi memories) through sketching, layering colors, to completing a full artwork and writing an artist statement.
Watching young artists discover their voice—mixing watercolors to capture rainy reflections or acrylic textures for mossy roofs—was magical. They left not just with paintings, but with a deeper appreciation for the city's heritage and their own creativity.
The pinnacle came with organizing a charity auction of 10 original paintings themed around Hanoi's urban landscape. The event raised VND 28 million (approximately $1,100 USD), with 100% proceeds donated to the Construct of Kindness project—funding four charity houses in Hoa Binh and Thai Nguyen provinces, plus scholarships for 28 underprivileged children.
This fusion of art and philanthropy felt profoundly fulfilling. Art isn't solitary; it's connective. Through Bao.TryStudio, I've preserved Hanoi's essence, inspired the next generation, and turned beauty into tangible good. It's a reminder that creativity can heal, teach, and transform—much like the resilient city that inspires it all.
