Renowned artist inspired by Lao lifestyle

When it comes to artistic talent in depicting landscapes, the lifestyle of ethnic groups, festivals, and Lao culture, Mr May Chandavong is considered to be among the top 10 artists turning out paintings for an appreciative audience.
The 52 years he has spent creating more than 200 portraits and murals are testament to the quality of his work, which is admired both in Laos and abroad.
Mr May’s work is based on the skills he learnt in Vietnam and France. His paintings are not the result of speed or whimsy, but come about through patience, delicacy of touch, and insight.
Even though he is now 75 years old, he is still invited to share his experience through teaching up-and-coming artists as a way to preserve traditional painting skills for as long as possible.

Mr May Chandavong and his wife.

Born into a farming family in Tanpiew village, Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province, Mr May grew up surrounded by the natural world and among rural people. This shaped his style, resulting in paintings that portrayed the landscape, Lao culture and the lifestyle of various ethnic groups.
“These features are my trademarks and what makes my work popular with customers,” said Mr May, who now lives in Thatluang-tai village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane.
Before becoming a recognised artist, he won prizes in contests held in Laos and abroad. He began honing his skills in art back in 1959, after finishing secondary school.
While at art school, six scholarships to study art in Vietnam became available. He and 60 other students took an exam in hopes of winning one of the coveted scholarships. 
He was successful and spent the next four years studying art in Vietnam.
In his first year, he studied portrait painting, followed by tuition in general painting the second year. In his third and fourth years, he worked hard to perfect both kinds of painting.
In addition to the painting skills he gained, he learnt patience, which he put to good use in his daily life and work.
He returned to Vientiane in 1966 and taught art at the Fine Art School which at that time was located in Anou village, Chanthabouly district. He also became a director of the school. 
In 1970, he won a scholarship to study mural painting in Paris, France, where he spent two years.
After the two years were up, Mr May returned to Laos and continued to teach at the Fine Art School. In 1988 he asked for retirement but was only given a gratuity pension because he had worked for the government for less than 30 years. 
After receiving his pension, in 1992 Mr May visited a relative in the United States in 1992, where he stayed for six years. He returned to Laos in 1998 and pursued the line of art that gave him the most satisfaction.  
He was invited to teach painting at government institutions and schools and set up the Mask Gallery as a place where established artists could exhibit their work.
In 2003, he founded the Lao Fine Art Association to promote the work of Lao artists and is now its Vice President.
Since 1966 Mr May has turned out more than 200 paintings, some of which have been sold in Laos and some in other countries when he held exhibitions.
Most of the pictures he paints portray his favourite subjects: landscapes, ethnic lifestyles, festivals, and Lao culture.
“All of my work is a true portrayal of life in Laos. My paintings are very realistic and viewers are made to feel like they are actually part of the picture and the events taking place,” Mr May said.

By Xayxana Leukai
(Latest Update February 24, 2018)