A large-scale lacquer painting portraying President Hồ Chí Minh is on display at the exhibition. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — An exhibition of large-scale lacquer paintings entitled "The Spring of Independence" opened today at the Hồ Chí Minh Museum to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2).

The exhibition is hosted by the Central Commission for Information and Mass Mobilisation, and organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Politburo member Nguyễn Trọng Nghĩa, head of the two commissions, attended and cut the ribbon to inaugurate the event.

Seventeen monumental works by young artist Chu Nhật Quang are on display, portraying milestones in the nation’s history, great victories, and evocative images of President Hồ Chí Minh. The centrepiece, measuring 7.2 metres by 2.4 metres and painted on both sides, depicts President Hồ reading the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square on September 2, 1945, and on the reverse, nationwide celebrations of freedom in Spring of the Nation.

Speaking at the opening, Vũ Mạnh Hà, Director of the Hồ Chí Minh Museum, said the exhibition was “a special artistic event of profound significance.” He emphasised the innovative combination of traditional lacquer techniques and contemporary artistic vision, which “highlights Việt Nam’s aspiration for independence, freedom and peace.”

Artist Chu Nhật Quang explained that the idea first emerged while he was studying abroad, inspired by the nation’s struggles from the resistance wars against France and the United States.

“I wanted every detail to remain true to history, from archival films and photographs to oral accounts. At the same time, I sought harmony in artistic expression. The exhibition took me nearly seven years of continuous work,” he said.

Quang added that his passion for history was shaped by family tradition and early education.

“My grandfather painted many works on revolutionary themes. Growing up, I often visited museums, read documents, watched documentaries and met witnesses of history. My time overseas deepened my appreciation of freedom and independence, and I wanted to dedicate my creativity to my country,” he said.

The largest work in Chu Nhật Quang’s Spring of Independence exhibition is a two-sided lacquer painting measuring 7.2 metres in length and 2.4 metres in height. One side, entitled President Hồ reads the Declaration of Independence, vividly recreates the historic scene at Ba Đình Square on September 2, 1945. Photo Courtesy by Chu Nhật Quang

In preparing the works, Quang travelled extensively to historic sites, consulted historians, and spoke with local people to capture authentic perspectives. These experiences, he said, gave him a deeper sense of space and emotion, strengthening his resolve to complete the series.

Lương Xuân Đoàn, Chairman of the Việt Nam Fine Arts Association, praised the artist’s choice of subject.

“For the exhibition The Spring of Independence, Chu Nhật Quang has painted several portraits of President Hồ Chí Minh, which is a daunting challenge. But facing such challenges will shape his artistic destiny. His passionate love for Vietnamese history has allowed him to distil its spirit into art. Choosing this subject as the starting point of his career is truly commendable," he said. VNS