Swan 2, a lacquer by Mai Loan from Việt Nam University of Fine Arts. — Photo courtesy of the artist

HÀ NỘI — Giao Lưu (Exchange), an exhibition co-organised by the two art universities in Hà Nội and HCM City, has opened in Hà Nội to honour their co-operation and relationship.

The exhibition displays 70 artworks by 62 artists who are lecturers and officials at the Việt Nam University of Fine Arts (VNUFA) in Hà Nội and the HCM City University of Fine Arts in HCM City, to highlight their dedication and creative spirit. 

The diversity of the works reflects the various perspectives on society and life stories of each artist.

'Bể Dâu' (Sea Surging), a composition by Trần Quốc Tuấn. — Photo courtesy of the artist

Besides paintings that honour the beauty of nature, the country and people, many artists have used their works to integrate messages of art with thoughts and philosophies about life, such as Bể Dâu (Sea Surging) by Trần Quốc Tuấn, Giấc mơ Nagar (Nagar Dream) by Bùi Hải Châu, Những Đám Mây Xa 3 (Far Away Clouds 3) by Trần Hoàng Sơn and Đồng Đội (Teammate) of Nông Tiến Dũng.

Meanwhile, others have found their own style of art and shown their mastery of visual techniques and materials.

In this exhibition, graphic materials are quite prominent, including wood engraving, mezzotint, monoprinting, zinc printing, lithography and stainless steel corrosion.

'Một Cánh Cò' (A Stork), lacquer painting by Lâm Chí Trung. — Photo courtesy of the artist

Through the exhibited works, viewers will discover an interesting similarity in the ideas of the artists from Hà Nội and HCM City, who have perceived traditional culture as their elements for creation. In their works, cultural heritages have appeared in many aspects as an inseparable part of the contemporary context. The similarity in creative perspectives of the artists shows that their creativity has the same origin, at the same time it is also a common thread in their career.

Most of the creations were made recently, so viewers can feel the contemporary artistic atmosphere and conditions of the country's two leading art training centres.

The presence of works by artists from HCM City University of Fine Art has perfectly complemented the art space of the Việt Nam University of Fine Arts in Hà Nội. The exhibition has created an opportunity for artists of the two schools to reflect and learn from each other, according to a press release from the organisers.

'Mùa Xuân Tây Bắc' (Northwest Spring), oil painting by Mai Xuân Oanh. — Photo courtesy of the artist

The opening of an art exhibition right on the site of the university's art space also provides a good chance for students to access the artistic works of their lecturers and learn from the experiences of their predecessors. It is a gift for the art-loving public in Hà Nội at the end of the year, according to organisers from VNUFA.

Co-organised annually by the two universities in Hà Nội and HCM City, the exhibition this year is an important event within the framework of the two schools' operation programmes to affirm their close relationship and mutual support.

The event started on Wednesday and will last until the end of December 2023. — VNS