HÀ NỘI — At an exhibition in Hà Nội, Ory Anna-Maria sets up her paintings as an album of Hồ Tây (West Lake) that can be turned by visitors.

Anna-Maria is an Hungarian artist. It is her third exhibition in Hà Nội following others in 2006 and 2010.

The artist paints with acrylic and oil-on-canvas, expressing her love for Việt Nam and Hà Nội’s West Lake in particular. At the exhibition at Đông Phong Gallery at No 3 Lý Đạo Thành Street, West Lake, she uses deep and low tones.

"I named the exhibition Hồ Tây because I painted most of the paintings at West Lake," said Maria. "I use techniques and select subject that mix the elements of East and West. I want to establish connections between the two cultures which nevertheless have a lot in common."

Living near West Lake, the artist has fallen in love with the beauty of the area. It has taken her time to contemplate colourful scenery in Hồ Tây which has changed over time. For her it is intersting to follow the changes, like watching a national geographic movie.

The only black and white painting at the exhibition is of flowers. "I want exhibition goers to change their emotions when they see my artworks. They are multicoloured and sometimes monochromatic," said Maria.

The painter’s relationship with Vietnamese culture dates back to her childhood, when her parents shared their love for Việt Nam with her. As a student at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, she met several Vietnamese artists who furthered her interest in the country, its people and its art forms. 

She inherited the love of the Vietnamese culture as a family tradition. After her graduation at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in 2006, she had her first trip to Hà Nội as an exhibitor.

In 2010 she participated at the Việt Nam–Hungary contemporary fine art exhibition in Hà Nội and HCM city. During 2016-17, Maria stayed in Việt Nam and became familiar with the art and culture of Việt Nam.

She has had solo and group exhibitions in Italy, Belgum, Czech, Germany and Bulgaria. The West Lake exhibition will run until October 30. — VNS