During the Hue International Art Festival Week 2024, various art exhibitions have showcased works created by many artists from Hue, utilizing different materials. Among these exhibitions are the ceramic exhibition by folk artist Tran Do, exhibitions of sculptures and lacquer paintings by Hue artists, and a photography exhibition introducing the host country of the 2024 Olympic Games.
“Dragon figure through Tran Do’s ceramics”
In collaboration with the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, Folk Artist Tran Do organized the opening of the exhibition “Dragon Figure through Tran Do’s Ceramics”. The exhibition took place in the majestic space of the Kien Trung Temple in the Hue Imperial City. Fifty-six dragon artworks, mostly inspired by the Nguyen dynasty dragon seal, were presented to the public and visitors.
Photo: Bao Thua Thien Hue
Tran Do is a renowned ceramic artist in Vietnam who has worked tirelessly over the years to imbue his products with distinct characteristics that are deeply rooted in the country’s culture. To successfully portray the Vietnamese dragon theme, Tran Do conducted extensive research at museums and heritage conservation units such as the National Museum of History, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Centre, and the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre. These historical references were critical to expanding his creative resources.
The highlight of Tran Do’s dragon collection is the pieces portraying Nguyen dynasty dragons, which are more refined in shape and embellished with additional motifs, making the artworks more vibrant.
Visitors to Tran Do’s ceramic exhibition space can admire the painstakingly researched and crafted dragon artworks, which reflect his decades of dedication and passion for ceramics. Furthermore, despite their differences in style, all of the dragon artworks in this space express aspirations and wishes for prosperity and peace.
“Lotus in Buddhist Culture and Festival Hue 2024”
On June 7th, at the Lieu Quan Buddhist Cultural Center (15A Le Loi Street, Hue), the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province initiated the art exhibition “Buddhist Culture – Festival Hue 2024,” with the theme “Lotus”. The exhibition introduces 110 artworks by 20 artists, renowned painters and sculptors from Hue and across the country. These artworks, created from a variety of materials including lacquer paintings, ceramics, bronze, slate, and other traditional materials, are meticulously crafted, rich in content, and varied in form and genre.
The artworks depicting Buddhist culture through the image of lotus flowers communicate profound values, ideologies, and philosophies of Buddhism that are intertwined with people’s daily lives. They are part of the “Cultural Heritage in Integration and Development” theme for the Festival Hue 2024. The authors’ refined artistic vision has resulted in intricately crafted unique lotus-themed artworks that are infused with profound thoughts, creating captivating pieces.
Many paintings such as “Lotus Dance”, “White Symphony,” “Blue Lotus”, “Imprint of Serenity”, “Realm of Happiness” etc…, encapsulate Buddhist philosophy: Seeking the Non-being, Steps of the Practitioner, Towards the Moonlight, Impermanent Flower, Intersection, Lotus Lantern, conveying both artistic value and the humanitarian content of Buddhism.
“Toward the Paris 2024 Olympic Games”
As part of the Festival Hue 2024 program, on the afternoon of June 9th, the French Institute in Vietnam, in collaboration with Hue Pedagogical University, organized the opening of the photo exhibition “Toward the Paris 2024 Olympic Games”. Thirteen large-scale photos at the exhibition allow the public to explore 13 competition venues across France for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will take place from July to September 2024.
The official mascot of Paris 2024 is the Phrygian cap, which will represent the sports disciplines competed in at each venue. The magnificent Eiffel Tower, where beach volleyball matches will be held, and the Grand Palais, where fencing and taekwondo competitions will be held, were chosen for their beauty, historical significance, and ability to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences.
Through the exhibition, the organizers aim to introduce the famous landmarks and constructions to the people of Hue and visitors, as well as inspire them to travel to France to experience the world’s largest cultural and sporting event./.
Text: Q.Lien
