Le Minh Tri: Sculpting the playfulness of animals
Le Minh Tri introduces a delightful world of animals to contemporary Vietnamese sculpture - at once familiar yet refreshingly surprising. Working with wood, fiberglass, and vivid acrylic colors, he transforms his animals beyond mere representation, imbuing each one with distinct personality. With warmth, humor, and a playful approach to observation, each sculpture radiates joy and approachability, reflecting the lighthearted perspective of a young artist.
Get to know Le Minh Tri
Born in 1992 in Hanoi, Le Minh Tri graduated from Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts in 2015. He initially worked as a graphic designer at Mark&B Vietnam from 2015 to 2019. In 2022, Tri participated in the group exhibition "Con Giong," showcased in Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. Early in 2023, he joined further group shows - “Meo Du Xuan” and “Quy Mao 365” - both in Hanoi. These experiences mark a distinct transition for Le Minh Tri, moving from applied arts to a focus on artistic practice, particularly sculpture.
A lesser-known fact: Le Minh Tri is the son of celebrated Vietnamese painter Le Minh. This artistic lineage enriches his journey, where inspiration and talent flow seamlessly across generations. While Le Minh expresses delicate emotions on canvas through painting, Le Minh Tri chooses sculpture as his medium to convey freshness, freedom, and youthful energy.
Le Minh Tri’s sculptures focus on familiar animals: dogs, cats, buffaloes, horses, pigs, and hippos. Working predominantly in wood and fiberglass, he coats each sculpture with bright acrylics, moving away from strict realism. Instead, he abstracts and stylizes the forms, combining bold contrasts and contemporary patterns. His playful aesthetic brings an energetic Pop Art sensibility, making his creations approachable yet never mundane.
Le Minh Tri putting the finishing touches on his sculpture
Infusing humor into sculpture: Le Minh Tri’s creative outlook
Humor is central to Le Minh Tri’s artistic voice. Rather than seeking idealized or majestic postures, he celebrates the quirky everyday traits of animals: the plump silhouette of a cat, the awkward stance of a dog, the sturdy yet endearing appearance of a buffalo. These relatable characteristics foster an instant connection between his work and the viewer.
Color is another essential element. On wood or fiberglass, vivid acrylics - often in strong, contrasting combinations - bring each animal to life. The patterns and colors aren’t limited to naturalistic markings but are pure inventions, transforming familiar forms into a new imaginative realm unbound by reality.
With a youthful creative spirit, Le Minh Tri’s animals feel charming and mischievous. By experimenting with strong colors and materials, his dogs and cats exude Pop Art flair - blending personal expression with a nod to traditional artistic values.
Selected works by Le Minh Tri
Cat
“Cat” is crafted from acrylic on wood, measuring 20 x 32 x 15 cm. The sculpture depicts a cat with a rounded, approachable body - far from the aloof or haughty archetypes often associated with felines. Here, Le Minh Tri’s cat radiates cuteness and charm.
The appeal of the piece lies in its vibrant surface patterns. Each detail transforms the feline form into a miniature canvas for the artist’s creativity and rhythmic energy. “Meo III” not only revives a beloved domestic companion but also evokes a sense of joy and lightness. Its compact size and striking palette make it a distinctive highlight in any display.
Sculpture "Cat" by Le Minh Tri
Dog
“Dog”, crafted in acrylic on wood and measuring 37 x 20 x 20 cm, presents a dog not as the typically vigilant or noble household guardian, but with an endearing, slightly awkward expression. Simplified forms and plump proportions give the sculpture a relaxed, affectionate feel - resonating with the everyday presence of dogs in Vietnamese homes.
Like “Cat”, “Dog” carries decorative flourishes in vibrant colors and rich patterns. Notably, an image of a peacock is seamlessly integrated into the dog’s body, creating a surprising “picture within a picture” effect. This fusion of different animal motifs adds visual complexity and subtle intrigue, making the piece lively and captivating.
"Dog", a sculpture by Le Minh Tri, captures a whimsical and endearing canine form
Buffalo
“Buffalo” is made from wood coated with acrylic paint, measuring 13 x 29 x 11 cm. Drawing on the image of the buffalo - an emblem of Vietnamese agriculture and culture - the work offers a fresh, colorful perspective. Rather than focusing solely on the animal’s robust, rustic qualities, Le Minh Tri brings a softer, more expressive take.
The buffalo’s elongated, low-lying body structure evokes its reliable strength, while the lively patterns and colors break from its traditionally austere image. “Trau III” thus balances heritage with the free-spirited lens of contemporary art.
"Buffalo", a sculpture by Nguyen Minh Tri
Through these companion animal sculptures, Le Minh Tri constructs a world where familiar creatures emerge with renewed character and vibrance. Simple forms, bold palettes, and playful details make his work widely accessible yet unmistakably original. Collectors and art lovers can explore more of Le Minh Tri’s creations at Green Palm Gallery to experience the lively, youthful, and mischievous spirit that defines each of his sculptures.
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GREEN PALM GALLERY Gallery in Ha Noi: 39 Hang Gai, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Gallery in HCM City: 49 Mac Thi Buoi, HCM City, Viet Nam
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