An art exhibition that opens the Life project takes place at Norfolk Mansion in HCM City. Photos courtesy of PDA & Partners

HCM CITY A project that combines artistic performances, practical activities and in-depth themed events to promote nature conservation and cultural and artistic values has kicked off with an exhibition held at Norfolk Mansion, 21-29 Lý Tự Trọng Street, District 1, HCM City.

The exhibition is expected to take visitors on an artistic trip to Côn Đảo Island, where the main events of the Sự Sống (Life) project take place in May. There they could envision Côn Đảo coastline by seeing its physical elements like rocks, sand, the sound of the sea, and human performances.

It showcases the pure natural beauty of the island through a harmonious combination of various art forms such as installation, performance, painting, lighting or music.

Art lovers will have the opportunity to admire 18 exceptional paintings that represent the inspiration, stories, and message of Life – authentic natural colours, the simple daily life of families and customs, the beautiful scenery of the homeland, the circulation of the universe, among others – by talented Vietnamese artists, from the Indochina colonial period to the modern era, such as Nguyễn Gia Trí, Lê Phổ or Bùi Xuân Phái.

The exhibition showcases the pure natural beauty of Côn Đảo Island through a harmonious combination of various art forms such as installation, performance, painting, lighting or music.

According to its CEO, Phạm Thiên Vũ, Life is a series of events to promote culture and art, connect modern humans with pure nature, stimulate cultural dialogue, and preserve tangible and intangible heritage through the artistic lens. It is inspired and developed by director Tuấn Lê, an artistic director of many unique shows promoting Vietnamese culture, and producer Tùng John.

The project is initiated by PDA & Partners (PDA), with the support of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, the support and collaboration of the Tài Nguyên & Môi Trường (Resources & Environment) newspaper.

It has also received advice and support from numerous domestic and international agencies, experts and organisations, such as Phạm Phú Ngọc Trai, chairman of the Packaging Recycling Organisation Vietnam (PRO Vietnam); and Trần Văn Mạnh, vice chairman of the UNESCO Associations in Asia and the Pacific, and vice chairman and general secretary of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations.

"Nature is always a vast source of inspiration for art, the root of creativity, leading humans towards integrity – compassion – excellence and helping humanity aspire to greater things beyond everyday life,” said Vũ.

“Each participant of Life can consciously participate in their personal development, adopting positive behaviours towards the environment and nature. They will be the extended arms that contribute to the preservation and maintenance of Life , the source of life, natural landscapes, animals, natural wonders, and positive impacts on the environment, and honouring the values of heritage, culture, and history.”

According to director Tuấn, Life is organised at various locations in Việt Nam, recognised for preserving and conserving nature and cultural values to honour heritage sites, architectural works and landscapes.

“Life's events will bring completely distinctive, different and novel experiences, connecting emotions through the performances of talented Vietnamese artists, together with their unique and rare cultural and artistic products,” he added.

The main events of Life, which take place at Six Senses Côn Đảo Resort in early May, will include a series of events such as a seminar on the protection of the environment and natural resources of Việt Nam’s seas in general and Côn Đảo in particular, as well as activities like diving and trekking. VNS