The former diplomat collected the two lacquer paintings, Kieu Hanh (Proud) and Nhung Nu Hon Tinh Yeu (Kisses of Love), when she worked in Vietnam from 1997 to 2001.
Berends bought the two paintings from artist Phung Pham and brought the paintings with her in her later terms in other countries, before returning to the Netherlands.
Although she left Vietnam more than 20 years ago, her memories and love for the country have never faded away. The diplomat then headed to the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands to express her desire to donate the paintings to the Vietnamese people.
At the handover ceremony, the museum’s representative expressed respect for the former deputy ambassador and thanked Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Pham Viet Anh, for his efforts to bring the paintings back to Vietnam.
The event also saw the participation of artist Phung Pham who said that he was moved to see his paintings become part of the museum’s collection.
Museum boosts preservation of national treasures
Currently, 140 of 164 recognised national treasures are being preserved and displayed in museums nationwide, while the remainder are located in monuments and religious facilities. However, the preservation and promotion of the treasures are still facing difficulties.
Online art auction raises funds to fight COVID-19
Some 100 paintings will be auctioned online at the Viet Art Exchange Facebook from March 23 to 25 to raise funds for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online fine art exhibition held to mark 45th anniversary of national reunification
The Hanoitimes – The fine art exhibition was launched on vnfam.vn and the Facebook page of the museum.
Russia’s State Museum of Oriental Art organises Vietnam Week
NDO/VNA – The State Museum of Oriental Art of Russia organised a Vietnam Week from May 25-31 on its Instagram page to introduce the most typical among objects displayed at its Vietnam Space.
Exhibition offers interpretation ‘Tale of Kieu’ epic through contemporary paintings
NDO – An exhibition entitled ‘Tale of Kieu through paintings’ opened at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum on November 18 to celebrate the 200th death anniversary of great poet Nguyen Du.
