On the afternoon of September 5, at Nha Thai Hoc, part of the Special National Monument of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the opening ceremony of the international fine arts exhibition “FRIENDSHIP – AMISTAD – PAGKAKAIBIGAN 2025” took place, introducing 49 artworks by 24 artists from three countries: Vietnam, Spain, and the Philippines. The exhibition is jointly organized by the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities and artists from the three countries.
Delegates cut the ribbon to open the exhibition and visit the displays
With diverse approaches and distinctive modes of expression, the exhibition reflects themes of heritage, people, and nature. The theme “FRIENDSHIP – AMISTAD – PAGKAKAIBIGAN” (the word “friendship” in Vietnamese, Spanish, and Tagalog – Philippines) emphasizes the role of art as a global cultural bridge, contributing to the promotion of empathy and connection among cultures and communities.
The exhibition offers a multicolored visual journey
The exhibition presents a rich visual journey in which the public can experience the diversity of visual languages, aesthetic thinking, and cultural depth of the three countries. If the works by Vietnamese artists represent an intersection of tradition and modernity, rich in identity – from images of dragons, lotuses, and bronze drums to rural landscapes, urban life, and Vietnamese people in a period of transformation – expressed through a wide range of media such as lacquer, silk, and acrylic, demonstrating constant innovation in creativity, then the artists from Spain bring works imbued with a bold spirit and strong expressiveness, deeply influenced by tradition and surrealism. The works in this exhibition continue the inspiration of masters such as Picasso, Miro, and Dali, while still bearing distinctive individual imprints, revolving around themes of history, identity, and human nature. Vibrant colors, striking forms, and depth of thought create a unique appeal. Meanwhile, artists from the Philippines present works that are the result of a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, American, and Asian cultures, forming an identity that is both free-spirited and profound. Their works often depict the relationship between humans and nature, beliefs, history, and social reality, ranging from paintings with folk resonance to conceptual art and contemporary expressive practices – all rich in humanistic values and expressive inner strength.
The exhibition is a space where the public can perceive the richness of visual language, aesthetic thought, and cultural depth of the three countries
Speaking about the exhibition, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, affirmed that the exhibition “FRIENDSHIP – AMISTAD – PAGKAKAIBIGAN 2025” is a vivid testament to the connecting power of art. Through visual language, artists have conveyed humanistic messages, expressed cultural interweaving among nations, and evoked a spirit of cohesion within the international community. He expressed the hope that the event would not only be an artistic meeting point, but also a space for cultural dialogue, spreading creative inspiration and friendship.
The Organizing Committee presents certificates and gifts to participating artists
Artist Le Thi Thanh, representing the artists in the exhibition, shared that the exhibition “FRIENDSHIP – AMISTAD – PAGKAKAIBIGAN 2025” at Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam – a place where the quintessence of Vietnamese culture and knowledge converges – is an occasion for the visual arts of Vietnam, Spain, and the Philippines to speak with a common voice. Painting, graphic art, sculpture, installation, and 3D mapping projection come together, transcending all boundaries of geography, language, and time, to become a bridge connecting souls. The artists believe that each artwork displayed today is a story of history, identity, and aspiration; and when presented together, they form a grand picture of friendship, mutual respect, and sustainable cooperation among nations.
The artworks attract viewers
The exhibition “FRIENDSHIP – AMISTAD – PAGKAKAIBIGAN 2025” is a strong affirmation of art’s ability to expand understanding and evoke shared human emotions across the world. It is a meaningful activity contributing to the promotion of international exchange and the promotion of the image of Hanoi as a Creative City within UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. The exhibition will be open to the public until September 21, 2025.
Paintings, graphic works, sculptures, installations, and 3D mapping projections harmonize within the exhibition space
Within the framework of the exhibition, an art experience program (workshop) titled “Landscape and Portrait Painting” will take place on the grounds of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, with direct guidance from the artists. This activity not only opens up creative opportunities for participants, but also helps spread a love for art and awaken a deeper connection to national cultural heritage.
Nhật Minh