Water-colour painting Chạy Đồng by Đặng Quang Tiến is worth VNĐ125 million (US$4,700).

HÀ NỘI — Art and compassion flow together at the 2026 edition of the exhibition Xuôi Dòng Sông Thu (Down the Thu River), which has officially opened, featuring 35 acclaimed artists from across Việt Nam to raise funds for charity house-building in the central region.

Bringing together creative talents from the northern, central, and southern regions, the exhibition presents a diverse collection of works available for purchase both at the venue and on its official website, Xuôi Dòng Sông Thu.

Seventy per cent of all proceeds will go towards building 10 houses for disadvantaged residents in Quảng Nam Province and Huế City.

The curated works go beyond technical accomplishment, offering reflections on Vietnamese life, nature and the human spirit. According to co-curator Ngô Kim Khôi, participating artists showed strong generosity by submitting multiple works for selection.

"Each artist participating in the exhibition brings a unique soul and a distinct perspective, yet they are united by a singular vision to use the power of art to perform an act of kindness for the world," Khôi said.

"This year, the artists collectively agreed to offer their works at prices significantly lower than those at private galleries or studios. This act of generosity is seen as a practical contribution from the art community."

A centrepiece of the exhibition is the large-scale painting Chạy Đồng (Field Running). Its bold brushstrokes and earthy palette of golden rice, brown soil and hopeful greens stand as a vivid tribute to the resilience of central Vietnamese farmers recovering from natural disasters.

A acrylic painting Ngày Xanh (Blue Day) by Nguyễn Minh is worth at VNĐ38 million. Photos xuoidongsongthu.com

While the initiative supports disaster relief, co-curator Lý Đợi noted that only about 10 per cent of the works directly depict storms or floods.

Most instead focus on the quiet beauty of everyday life, capturing a mother’s gaze, a child’s smile and the tranquil landscapes of the Thu River.

"Simple peace and happiness are the ultimate dreams for those living in disaster-prone areas," Lý Đợi said. He said that, for him, curating a charity exhibition dedicated to his homeland of Quảng Nam and Huế had been a deeply moving experience.

The exhibition runs until May 13 at Huyền Art House, 8A Đặng Tất Street, Tân Định Ward, HCM City. — VNS