An exquisite exhibition of lotus paintings has blossomed at a historic French villa in the heart of Hanoi’s downtown area. This artistic event marks one of the first cultural gatherings to grace the restored villa, offering a unique experience within its timeless walls.
Titled “Pink Lotus,” the exhibition showcases a captivating collection of 18 paintings created by renowned contemporary artists, including the talented Binh Nhi, Pham An Hai, Hai Kien, and Dao Lien Huong. Each artwork reflects a unique perspective on the iconic lotus, a flower deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and history.
The curator of this enchanting collection is art collector Thuy Anh, whose passion for the lotus and its symbolic significance inspired her to host an art talk in Hanoi. This engaging discussion delved into the beauty and cultural importance of the lotus in Vietnam, attracting the participation of artists and cultural researchers alike.
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A glimpse into the exhibition, where the beauty of the lotus unfolds through the artistic eyes of talented painters. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times |
According to cultural expert Tran Trong Duong, the lotus holds a special place in Vietnamese culture, with a history spanning thousands of years. It has graced poetry, architecture, and fine arts, leaving its mark on carved plaques from the Ly-Tran dynasties to the intricate designs of village communal houses. The lotus motif, with its hundreds of variations, is a testament to its integral role in Vietnam’s cultural fabric.
“The lotus symbol embodies absolute purity and unblemished beauty,” Duong explained. “In Buddhism and Confucianism, the flower represents a purity untouched by any impurity, just as the lotus emerges from the mud without carrying its scent.”
Writer and painter Tran Thi Truong, renowned for her lotus paintings, shared her perspective on the flower’s unique presence in Vietnam. “While Southeast Asian countries may share the lotus, Vietnam is exceptional in that lotuses are ubiquitous across the country, with each region boasting its own unique and beautiful species,” she said.
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Writer and painter Tran Thi Truong, sharing her love for the lotus and its significance in Vietnamese culture. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times |
“From north to south, the lotus captivates with its beauty, and even in its withering, it exudes a unique charm. For many Vietnamese, the lotus is an inherent part of our identity, echoing through lullabies and personal intuitions,” Truong added, reflecting on the flower’s profound impact.
Thuy Anh, the collector behind this exhibition, shared a personal connection to the lotus, born and raised in Hanoi. Her love for the flower and its symbolic meaning led her to assemble this remarkable collection. “The lotus, to me, represents a good heart and a bright mind,” she said. “Its color and fragrance embody purity and guide us toward our aspirations. I want to share this meaningful symbol with others.”
Prior to the Hanoi exhibition, Anh presented the “Pink Lotus” collection in Paris, France, where the vibrant lotus paintings, accompanied by traditional ao dai and conical hats, celebrated the beauty of Vietnam and its people, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
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Art collector Thuy Anh, sharing the beauty of Vietnamese lotus paintings with an international audience in Paris. Photo courtesy of Thuy Anh |
Painter Luong Xuan Doan, Chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, highlighted the uniqueness of Anh’s initiative. “It is quite rare for a collector to take the lead in organizing exhibitions and art talks,” he said. “Her efforts are commendable and deserve encouragement and recognition.”
The participants praised the art talk for fostering a deeper understanding among collectors, intellectuals, and artists, sparking new ideas and positive values. Thuy Anh’s previous endeavors, such as the “Streets and Flowers” exhibition in 2021 and “Beauty from the Heart” in 2023, also reflected her commitment to using art for charitable causes, with auctioned works raising funds for those in need.
The lotus painting exhibition, a celebration of Vietnamese culture and artistic talent, will remain open until June 30 at the heritage villa on Tran Hung Dao Street, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
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