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The Captivating Art Exhibition: Hanoi and Vietnamese Heritage Unveiled

With a masterful command of the visual arts, the artists will weave a narrative that delves into the rich sediments of Vietnamese heritage. Through the mediums of oil painting, lacquer, ceramics, and silk, they will unveil the hidden cultural values that are intertwined with contemporary life. It promises to be a captivating journey, one that explores the depths of Vietnam's cultural tapestry.

Administrator

23 August, 2024

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The Once Upon a Time exhibition, a captivating showcase of paintings and sculptures, opens its doors to the public in Hanoi on August 23. This collaborative effort by 16 artists from the Heritage and Art Group features a diverse range of 39 artworks, including prints, metal sculptures, oil paintings, and more, each a unique interpretation of Hanoi’s rich heritage.

The artists draw their inspiration from the city’s timeless landmarks and cultural traditions, such as the ancient Cuu Village in Phu Xuyen District, water puppet shows, lotus ponds, pagodas, and the charming Hanoi Old Quarter. Each artwork tells a story, a fairy tale if you will, of the city’s past, presented through the unique lens of each artist’s style and perspective.

Artists in the Heritage and Art group. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Speaking about the exhibition, founder and artist Nguyen Minh shared, “Once Upon a Time is our way of inviting viewers into a magical world where art and heritage intertwine. It’s a celebration of the unique artistic styles of each contributor and a tribute to the enduring beauty of Hanoi’s cultural legacy.”

The exhibition goes beyond mere visuals, delving into the historical and cultural significance of Vietnamese heritage. It explores ancient motifs, water puppet characters, village community house carvings, and folk paintings, all while layering on the contemporary perspective of the artists. It’s a fusion of the past and present, a dialogue between tradition and modern expression.

Artist Minh further emphasized the challenges and rewards of this theme: “Honoring our ancestors’ heritage through visual arts is a fascinating yet demanding journey. We’re committed to this path, fueled by our passion and artistic personalities, knowing that it will be a long and rewarding road.”

Time’s Trace, a painting inspired by Cuu Village in Hanoi by artist Chu Cuong.

To bring their vision to life, the artists embarked on field trips, direct drawing excursions, and immersive experiences to gather inspiration and deepen their understanding of Vietnamese cultural heritage. Their dedication to this project is evident in each intricate detail of their artworks.

The exhibition has garnered support from Thao Nguyen Company and Ana Mandara Villas Da Lat, who share the artists’ passion for promoting Vietnamese cultural heritage through art. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural traditions in new and innovative ways.

Nguyen Anh Minh, Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, expressed his admiration for the artists’ chosen path: “Painting and cultural heritage are themes that inspire but also challenge artists. It’s rare to see artists dedicate themselves to these themes over an extended period, and we at the museum are honored to support and accompany these talented individuals in their journey.”

Kinnaras, a captivating bamboo paper painting by artist Cao Phuong Thao.

The Heritage and Art (H&A) group is a dynamic collective of 16 artists from generations 7X to 9X, each bringing their unique creative style and voice to the Vietnamese contemporary art scene. Their exhibition promises to be a memorable showcase of talent, tradition, and artistic expression.

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Hanoi’s cultural heritage through the eyes of these talented artists. The exhibition will be on display until August 27 at the Exhibition House on 29 Hang Bai Street, Hanoi.