On the morning of December 10, the second edition of the exhibition “Ancient Imprints of Culture” with the theme “Illuminating Thang Long” opened at the Thai Hoc House, a special National Monument within the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam. The exhibition features installations by 9 artists exploring various facets of the country linked to the ancient Thang Long Citadel.
Representatives and artists at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The organizing committee presented flowers and certificates to the participating artists.
Through diverse artistic expressions, the exhibition guides viewers through humble and rustic stories about irrigation, the pioneering individuals who explored new territories, historic battles that shaped the nation, and the heroes associated with the traditions of the Vietnamese people. The artworks vividly depict landmarks and historical sites integral to the formation and development of the Thang Long – Hanoi region, such as the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, Khue Van Cac, the Imperial Citadel, the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Turtle Tower, the The Huc Bridge, Dong Xuan Market, and Long Bien Bridge. These artworks showcase the remarkable cultural and artistic development of this historically significant region.
Artist Vu Xuan Dong presented his artwork “Twin Boats” to delegates and visitors.
The exhibition is divided into 8 interconnected, harmonious, and modern themes. The “Red River” theme features the artwork “Thang Long Dance,” using synthetic materials. Sculptor Nguyen Truong Giang emotionally captures the rhythm of the river’s flow from its source to the end of the Red River. The “Irrigation” theme includes the artwork “Wave of Flowers – Blossoming Water” by artist Phan Minh Bach, consisting of three large silk paintings depicting the images of the To Lich River, the Dragon symbol of the Ly Dynasty, and scenes of West Lake using light projection technology.
Under the theme “The Image of Water through the installation “Twin Boats” created with copper embossing, lacquer painting, and more, artist Vu Xuan Dong narrates the story of exploration, river control, dike construction, water usage, and the unique properties of water that stabilized the ancient lives of our ancestors. Particularly noteworthy, artist Pham Trung Hung has incorporated modern technology into his work titled “Source Circuit” with the theme of Opening up, Cultivating, and Harvesting. Here, the artist uses contemporary 3D mapping technology, maintaining a harmonious interaction with the architectural space of the Front Hall.
Artwork “Source Circuit” by Artist Pham Trung Hung.
Accompanying it are themes such as the Formation of Docks and Rivers through the artwork “Sails” by artist Pham Hung Anh; the theme of Constructing and Protecting the Citadel through the two-piece artwork “Space of Legends and Thang Long – Hanoi” by artist Nguyen Duc Hung; the theme of the Citadel across eras through the installation “A Thousand Years in Shadows” by artist Nguyen Tuan Dung; and the theme of the Citadel with festivals and the imagery of Trees and Water through the artwork “The Source Drop” by artist Le Thi Thanh and the artwork “Tree” by artist Nguyen Vi Thuy.
Some artworks at the exhibition
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director Le Xuan Kieu of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, stated that with the theme “Illuminating Thang Long,” the 2nd “Ancient Imprints of Culture” exhibition tells the story of the cultural heritage of Thang Long – Hanoi in a modern style, creating unique aspects for the exhibition. Through the exhibition, it affirms the collaboration of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, with the artists to sustain the flow of “Ancient Imprints of Culture” in the coming years.
Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, Le Xuan Kieu, spoke at the opening ceremony.
“I hope that through this exhibition, visitors will perceive the values of Thang Long – Hanoi’s cultural heritage in contemporary life. It also contributes to turning the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam into a creative space – a space that inspires creators and artists to contribute many works to the public and the community,” shared Le Xuan Kieu.
The exhibition attracted viewers during the opening ceremony.
Sharing his thoughts on the exhibition, artist Vu Xuan Dong expressed that, in executing this theme, he and other artists pondered for a long time to find ways to express their artworks. Having a predetermined theme somewhat restricts the artist’s creativity. Nevertheless, the artists reached a consensus, with each person responsible for specific content, collaborating to create a harmonious whole. To realize this exhibition, the artists had to prepare for many months to create outstanding installation artworks using various materials. Through the displayed artworks at the exhibition, the artists conveyed their emotions and love for Thang Long-Hanoi, putting great effort into ensuring the integrity of the exhibition.
The 2nd “Ancient Imprints of Culture” exhibition will take place at the Front Hall, Thai Hoc area, until January 2, 2024.