Painter Hoàng Phong has his debut exhibition in Hà Nội, 'Little Love for the City' — Photo courtesy of Minh Khánh

HÀ NỘI — Watercoloured paintings depicting ancient architectural structures of Hà Nội and the lifestyles of locals are showcased at an exhibition that is being held in Hà Nội.

The Little Love for the City is organised by the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Hà Nội Old Quarter Management Board on the 69th anniversary of the capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2023).

It is a gift of love from HCM City-based painter Hoàng Phong to the capital city whose beauty has charmed him since his first visit six years ago.

The exhibition introduces to the public 54 artworks from the collections of 100 watercolour paintings depicting Hà Nội through the eyes of the 36-year-old painter. They will take viewers on a journey back in time to the old Hà Nội where they once lived, passed through and bonded.

The paintings blend the lines of French colonial architecture with everyday modern life, creating enchanting poetic corners of Hà Nội. Visitors will be overwhelmed with nostalgia on seeing the familiar scenes of autumn in the city with its flower vendors, bustling Hàng Mã Street on the eve of Tết (Lunar New Year) and Châu Long Street bathed in golden sunlight.

“Hà Nội is entering its most beautiful autumn days, which also happens to be the time that makes many people deeply nostalgic for the capital city throughout the year. Autumn in Hà Nội always evokes indescribable emotions in each person's heart and serves as an endless source of inspiration for artists," Trịnh Hoàng Tùng, deputy chairman of the People's Committee of Hoàn Kiếm District, said at the opening ceremony.

“And during this autumn season, it ignites a special love within the heart of a HCM City-based artist Phong for the capital. When visiting the exhibition space, art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire the extensive collection of artworks, each capturing the seemingly familiar yet bygone images of Hà Nội that we haven’t had a chance to quietly contemplate for a long time.”

Arts fans at the 'Little Love for the City' exhibition. — Photo courtesy of Minh Khánh

Hà Nội has become Phong’s source of inspiration since he first arrived in the city in 2017.

“Hà Nội has captivated my heart as a person from the south," Phong said.

"My love for Hà Nội doesn't come from others' perspectives or through poetry; it stems from a deep subjective feeling. I love the dreamy mornings or the moments after ten o'clock at night when the streets are quiet and peaceful.”

One of the interesting features of the exhibition is that the paintings will not include any titles or descriptions. Phong understands that anyone has their own love, perspective, and personal story with the capital city. The paintings themselves will resonate with their individual stories, creating a new source of inspiration for the painter to continue nurturing his love for Hà Nội and creating new artworks.

"Depicting the emotions in every corner of the city from the perspective of a person from the south and sending them to the capital city on the anniversary of its liberation [from French occupation] is both an honour and a memorable milestone in my career as an artist," Phong said:

"I want to convey the beauty of Hà Nội at this moment, so that those who love the city in the future can still see the French architecture, the Tết markets, and the familiar street vendors,” the painter added.

Nguyễn Hoài An, an art enthusiast attending the exhibition, said she was amazed by the artworks.

“The artist's brush strokes have vividly captured the images of Hà Nội from the small streets to the iconic landmarks and architecture. Viewers feel like joining a small tour through the 36 ancient streets of the city," she said.

The exhibition is free of charge at the Hồ Gươm Information and Culture Centre until October 29. — VNS