TIỀN GIANG — The southern region’s largest exhibition this year, featuring 200 paintings and sculptures, is on display at the Tiền Giang Conference Centre in Cần Thơ City. 

The exhibit includes a variety of traditional and contemporary works created by young and veteran artists from the Cửu Long (Mekong) River Delta.

Trần Thanh Đức, deputy chairman of Tiền Giang Province, said many of the showcase’s works were the result of creative camps launched by 13 provinces in the region this year.    

"Our artists have travelled around the region to find a new source of inspiration, capturing the beauty of daily life," he said. "Viewers can see contemporary southern Việt Nam being portrayed with new vigour and passion. But the region’s traditional values are still overwhelmingly there."

The organisers, the Việt Nam Fine Arts Association and Tiền Giang Association of Literature and Arts, have presented the 2016 Fine Arts Awards for six works. 

Nguyễn Hữu Thiện of Bến Tre Province took home the first prize for his wood sculpture Trường Chùa (Studying in Temple).  

Phạm Thanh Hùng of An Giang won second prize with his painting on silk, Chờ Lễ Chúc Phúc (Wishing for Happiness). The third prize was presented to Phan Tiến of Trà Vinh, for a wood sculpture.

The Cửu Long River Delta Award was shared by Hà Phước Duy of Long An, Lê Thị Xuân Hiếu of Bến Tre and Trần Nguyên Đán of Trà Vinh, who created mixed-media works.

All of the prize-winning works feature southern people in life and work.

The show includes new works by veteran sculptors and painters such as Huỳnh Phương Đông and Nguyễn Hải. 

“People will be able to learn about the south’s culture and people through the exhibit,” said Trần Khánh Chương, chairman of Việt Nam Fine Arts Association. 

"Our association has worked with cultural authorities to encourage and support young talents in new art trends," said Chương, adding that he hoped more organisations would be involved in sponsoring the association’s activities.

The exhibition at 125 Lê Thị Hống Gấm Street in Cần Thơ City will close on August 16.—VNS