Paintings by Vietnamese and Korean Artists Showcasing Buddhism in Hanoi

85 ink paintings and a graphic installation work by renowned artists from Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are on display at an exhibition that opened in Won Buddhism office in Hanoi on November 7, VNA reported.

The event was held as part of activities to mark the 31st anniversary of the Vietnam – RoK diplomatic relations.

Delegates cut ribbon launching the exhibition. Photo: MH

The paintings of Kim Chang Bae and Kim Won Do, along with the graphic installation work by Vietnamese artist Vu Bach Lien center on the themes of lotus, birds and animals, meditation and tea meditation, and Korean literature, reflecting the cycle of seasons in nature as well as the philosophy of life in contemporary society.

Addressing the event, Pham Thi Nah, head of the organizing committee affirmed that 2023 is a meaningful year when the Vietnamese Government officially recognizes the unit as the Won Buddhism office in Hanoi. The institute successfully organized the launch with the participation of Master Chia San – the fourth-generation General Master of the Won Buddhism office in Hanoi. This exhibition was held on the occasion of the Buddha’s Worship ceremony at the Won Buddhism office in Hanoi.

Nun Han Hoa Chung from the Won Buddhism office in Hanoi said that the exhibition will give visitors a deeper insight into the image of Buddhist practitioners in the RoK while serving as a venue to promote cultural exchange between the two nations.

Professor, artist Kim Chang Bae, Vice President of the Korean Art Association at the exhibition. Photo: MH

Speaking at the opening ceremony, artist Nguyen Tuan Son whose stage name Son Kieu, in charge of professional support for the exhibition, emphasized this is an opportunity for artists and painting lovers of Hanoi to exchange and learn with famous artists from Korea. We can learn from Professor and artist Kim Chang Bae not only how to preserve family painting traditions and materials that represent Korean characteristics, but also how to develop them creatively.

In an interview with TG&Vietnam Newspaper, Professor and artist Kim Chang Bae, Vice President of the Korean Art Association, affirmed the global trend of the Korean cultural wave is the foundation of Korean popular culture, in both art and fine arts. Zen paintings, paintings of nature, and flowers by Korean artists have been recognized by the art community in many countries around the world.

A painting of Kim Won Do. Source: Organizing committee

In this art space, each artist has his mission and feelings. Each work is imbued with the identity of each author.

The works of Professor and artist Kim Chang Bae introduce themes of lotus flowers, birds, tea meditation, and Korean literature. Meanwhile, artist Kim Won Do – Zen ink painting researcher and founder of Won Muk Hwa painting, introduces profound ink paintings, bringing viewers into a state of calm.

As the only Vietnamese artist participating in the exhibition, visual artist Vu Bach Lien introduced to the public a graphic installation titled “Life Circuit”. The work carries the message “Each individual moving in society – all are in a fleeting, constantly changing flow of interaction and collision, creating the special and magical richness of this world.”

The exhibition will run until November 14.

Graphic installation by artist Vu Bach Lien. Photo courtesy of the artist