Art Exhibition 'Si tu 3 - Chuyen si tu': Honouring Vietnamese educational tradition through art
WVR - In celebration of the 950th anniversary of the establishment of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first university (1076-2026), the art exhibition "Si tu 3 - Chuyen si tu" is being held at the Special National Relic Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi from May 27 to June 30. The exhibition is an emotional encounter between art, school memories, and the tradition of valuing education, contributing to honoring Vietnamese educational traditions through the perspective of the younger generation.
Latest
At the exhibition, more than 40 works by 22 artists from the disciplines of Applied Watercolor and Artistic Anatomy of Nhau Studio are introduced to the public. Through diverse materials and styles, the artworks reflect the exploration and creativity of young artists in connecting visual art with contemporary life, while evoking cultural values and the spirit of learning preserved through many generations of Vietnamese people.
 |
| The exhibition gathers over 40 works from 22 artists. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
In each piece, the image of the scholar and the spirit of education are depicted from various perspectives. This includes the portrait of Chu Van An, the head of Quoc Tu Giam, recognized by UNESCO as a distinguished educational figure of Vietnam; images of scholars diligently studying; the firefly lamp made from eggshells recalling tales of the learning spirit of past scholars; or familiar corners of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam and the purple of the bang lang flowers associated with school memories during exam seasons.
 |
| Some unique paintings at the exhibition. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
Continuing the tradition of honoring talents marked on the Doctoral Steles at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the exhibition introduces a special installation space named "Vuon Trang Nguyen", offering a new approach to the image of the scholar in contemporary life. Here, a scholar is not only someone preparing for exams but also anyone continuously learning and striving to surpass personal limits to pursue goals and dreams in life.
 |
| Impressive unique displays at the exhibition. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
In this space, 950 true stories about the journey of learning, working, and rising of individuals from various ages, professions, and regions are introduced to the public. The number 950 not only holds symbolic meaning but also marks the 950-year formation and development of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, as a tribute to the tradition of valuing education nurtured through many generations of Vietnamese people.
The display area uses eco-friendly, handcrafted materials from traditional craft villages such as do paper, conical hats, woven bamboo lanterns, and fish traps. These rustic materials are reimagined through the language of contemporary installation art, creating a space that is both familiar and rich in symbolism.
At "Vuon Trang Nguyen", visitors not only admire the artworks but also have the opportunity to find their own stories, the thoughts, and aspirations of themselves and those around them, thereby resonating with the learning and growth journey of many "scholars" in today's life.
 |
| Visitors exploring the exhibition. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
Through the display space, the exhibition aims to spread the spirit of valuing education while connecting the educational tradition with the core values of Vietnamese culture. This reflects the belief that learning is not separate from life but is nurtured by labor, nature, family, and community – the foundations that contribute to shaping character, fostering the aspiration to rise, and the lifelong learning spirit of each individual.
The "Si tu 3 - Chuyen si tu" exhibition runs until June 30, 2026, at the Special National Relic Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam.
