Award Ceremony and Opening of the Exhibition “Echoes of History: Interpreting the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam through Painting”
Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, Do Dinh Hong, and Head of the Culture and Arts Office at the Hanoi Party’s Propaganda Committee, Hoang Quoc Viet, presented the First Prize to artist Nguyen Anh Tai.
After two months of launching, the competition received nearly 200 paintings using a variety of materials, including oil painting, silk, wood engraving, ink, acrylic, and watercolor. Participants included students from art and design schools across the country, as well as young artists and art enthusiasts between the ages of 18 and 35. The submitted works showcased a diverse range of perspectives, narratives, ideas, and expressive techniques. Architectural symbols such as the Temple of Literature Gate, Khue Van Cac Pavilion, and the Doctor’s Stele, along with distinctive patterns like dragon, phoenix, and tortoise motifs, served as raw materials for participants to creatively explore and present their pieces.
Delegates cut the ribbon and visited the Exhibition.
After two rounds of preliminary and final judging, the jury selected 17 outstanding works to award: 1 First Prize, 2 Second Prizes, 2 Third Prizes, 10 Encouragement Prizes, 1 Special Prize, and 1 Special Prize for watercolor technique.
Artist Nguyen Anh Tai with his watercolor piece “The Flow of History,” which won the First Prize.
Evaluating the entries this year, Master of Architecture Bui Thanh Viet Hung, a member of the Jury, said: “Many of the works demonstrated creativity in content, exploring the theme ‘Echoes of History’ through different mediums and techniques. Some were executed in transparent, intricate watercolors, while others sought expression through modern, youthful techniques like printing and embossing, reflecting the contemporary style of the young generation but still bearing the clear marks and symbols of tradition… This can be seen as a success for the 2024 competition at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam.”
The competition attracted great interest from art lovers, especially young people.
Dr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam and Head of the Competition’s Organizing Committee, remarked: “Building on the success of the 2022 ‘Sketching the Temple of Literature’ competition, the ‘Echoes of History’ contest has seen significant improvements in both quality and quantity, with participation increasing several times over. The diverse materials, techniques, and perspectives presented in the works reflect the emotional range that young people feel for the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam. We hope this competition serves as a bridge between the past and contemporary life, between young people and the thousand-year heritage of our ancestors. It is also an opportunity for students, young artists, and art lovers to showcase their talents, creativity, and passion for painting, while also spreading their love for cultural heritage.”
Dr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, spoke at the award ceremony.
The “Echoes of History: Interpreting the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam through Painting” competition has created a “platform” where young people can express their emotions, viewpoints, and creative ideas through paintings depicting the architectural landmarks, artifacts, and statues at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam. At the exhibition, 70 works that made it to the final round will be introduced to art-loving visitors. The exhibition will be open to the public until October 31 at the Thai Hoc House (a special national relic site, Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam).
Vy Vy