An exhibition showcasing over 70 paintings to mark the 70th anniversary of the October 10 Liberation of the Capital captivated visitors of all ages over the weekend.
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| People of all ages admiring the exhibited artwork. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times |
Hosted at a center on Trang Tien Street in Hoan Kiem District until August 31, the artworks reflect the artists’ deep pride and affection for Hanoi.
The late composer Van Cao’s song, “Marching to Hanoi,” served as a creative wellspring for many of the artists’ interpretations.
Their works also evoke memories of the historic flag-raising ceremony held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on the momentous day of Hanoi’s liberation, October 10.
In their creative depictions, some artists envisioned Hanoi as a golden star, with its five gates surrounded by a flourish of flowers and flags, as the victorious army marched into the city.
Demonstrating their mastery, the artists employed a range of techniques, compositions, and vibrant colors to craft pieces that transcended the confines of traditional propaganda art.
Among the renowned painters whose works are on display are Phan Thi Nga, Nguyen Trung Kien, Bach Thi Loi, Pham Ngoc Manh, and Le Thuan Long. Notably, Nguyen Cong Quang garnered first place in the logo design competition.
A closer examination by art experts revealed that while the creators relied on familiar graphic symbols and icons, they also incorporated innovative twists, infusing their works with unique expressions.
“There’s a noticeable evolution and refinement in the artworks,” remarked Nguyen Nghia Phuong, Chairman of the Graphic Arts Art Council of the Vietnamese Fine Arts Association and Vice Rector of Vietnam University of Fine Arts. “They exude a combination of strength and sophistication, with a delicate, romantic touch. A dove, the number 70, and iconic landmarks of the capital are familiar elements, but they’re presented with a fresh, refined elegance.”
He further highlighted the romantic quality often found in propaganda paintings, likening it to a song. “It’s this freshness that we value in this competition,” he added.
The jury meticulously selected 26 exceptional works for awards. Additionally, they chose an identity logo and 70 high-quality paintings that will be utilized for communication and promotional purposes surrounding the event.
These chosen artworks will adorn key locations across Hanoi’s urban landscape, captivating both visitors and residents during the liberation anniversary celebrations.
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| Winners of the art competition. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times |
Nguyen Cong Quang, whose logo design was selected as the symbol of this year’s ceremony, expressed his admiration for the artists’ contributions. He noted that Hanoi has a rich history of hosting art competitions to facilitate communication and celebration.
Hanoi has organized such events for significant occasions, including the 990th and 1,000th anniversaries of Thang Long – Hanoi, as well as the 60th, 65th, and now the 70th anniversaries of the liberation of the capital, he explained.
“With each contest, the artistic standard has risen,” Quang observed. “These competitions have drawn a diverse range of participants, including established artists, students, and people from all walks of life. It’s heartening to see younger generations actively contributing their talents to promote the beauty and spirit of Hanoi and our nation.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the artworks, Quang added, “Autumn has been a muse for countless artistic creations, but Hanoi’s allure extends beyond this season. As someone who was born and raised in this city, my love for Hanoi runs deep, and I believe it will continue to flourish as a cultured, civilized, and modern capital.”
The art competition, launched in May 2024, was designed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024). It attracted a diverse array of artists, organizations, and art and graphic design schools from Hanoi and beyond.
The competition witnessed a record-breaking number of participants, with over 300 professional and amateur creators taking part. Among them were distinguished artists who have previously earned top honors in national propaganda painting contests, such as Tran Duy Truc, Ha Huy Chuong, and Nguyen Cong Quang, along with logo specialists including To Minh Trang, Tran Hoai Duc, and Le Quy Hai.
The oldest contestant was the esteemed painter Tran Duy Truc, an esteemed veteran of national propaganda painting competitions. In contrast, the youngest entrant was a 20-year-old student from the Department of Applied Fine Arts at Hanoi University of Business and Technology.
This year also marked a record high in terms of the number of submissions, with a total of 700 impressive entries. The propaganda artworks not only met but exceeded expectations, showcasing a diverse range of compositions, refined brushwork, and vibrant color palettes. Many pieces stood out for their innovative artistic styles, breaking free from the conventional tropes of propaganda art.
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