Between Ritual & Canvas: Reimagining Goddess Thác Bờ

This acrylic painting on canvas depicts Chúa Thác Bờ, a revered figure in Vietnam’s Đạo Mẫu tradition, honored as a water deity associated with the Đà River.  It is  inspired by a photo of the medium Diệp Minh Châu at her mediumship possesion ritual. The composition captures her grace and divine authority: she is adorned in a radiant costume of white and gold, richly embroidered with phoenix motifs, and layered with turquoise and jade-like jewelry that shimmer with sacred energy. Her ornate headdress, crowned with flowers and golden filigree, enhances her aura of majesty and devotion. In her hands, she holds a đàn nguyệt (moon lute), symbolizing harmony and spiritual resonance, as music is an essential medium through which deities are invoked in the hầu đồng ritual. The dark background sets her figure aglow, emphasizing her luminous presence as the medium embodies her spirit. Both serene and commanding, this portrayal reflects her role as a protector of waterways and guide of sailors, while also serving as a visual testament to the artistry and spiritual depth of Vietnam’s Mother Goddess worship.