HÀ NỘI - Three Vietnamese artists won prizes at the Buddy Bear Art Competition 2020, hosted by the German Embassy in Hà Nội and the Việt Nam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Việt Nam – Germany diplomatic relations.

Out of 14 applications, a jury picked the designs of the artists Chu Thúy Quỳnh, Nguyễn Xuân Lam and Phùng Văn Tuệ as winners.

From the left: Artist Chu Thúy Quỳnh, Phùng Văn Tuệ and Nguyễn Xuân Lam pose for a photo by their buddy bear works. Photo Courtesy of organisers

During the COVID-19 contact restrictions, the three artists designed the Buddy Bears in their homes.

The three winners of the art competition were each awarded a prize of VNĐ15,000,000 for their works.

The three Buddy Bears can be viewed from November 16 in the exhibition hall of the VICAS Art Studio, 32 Hào Nam, Đống Đa District, Hà Nội.

The Buddy Bears originated from an art project in 2001. They have become a landmark of Berlin and are considered unofficial ambassadors of Germany. The outstretched arms of the standing Buddy Bear symbolise friendliness and optimism.

The "United Buddy Bears" were created in 2002. The exhibition of around 140 Buddy Bears designed by artists from member states of the United Nations promotes peaceful coexistence between people of all races, cultures and religions. Since their first exhibition in Berlin, over 40 million visitors have already admired the Buddy Bears. VNS