Exhibition and auction of artworks ‘VENUS’: Contemporary art exhibition fosters friendship and compassion
WVR - The exhibition and auction of contemporary artworks “VENUS” by artist Van Duong Thanh and friends has opened in Hanoi, attended by numerous diplomats, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
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The event showcases selected works from the artist's creative journey spanning over half a century, along with creations by painters and sculptors Pham Van Ha, Le Dinh Quy, Pham Luc, Nguyen Dinh Dung, and Do Phan.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese; Ambassador of Mongolia to Vietnam Ganbaatar Hulan; Ambassador of Cambodia to Vietnam Touch Sopharath; Ambassador of Pakistan to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri; Ambassador of South Africa to Vietnam Vuyiswa Gladys Tulelo; journalist Ho Quang Loi, along with representatives from diplomatic missions of various countries, collectors, and art lovers.
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| Artist Van Duong Thanh (third from right) with guests at the opening event on the evening of August 12. (Photo: Ha Anh) |
Marking over half a century of artistry
The highlight of the exhibition is approximately 30 works by artist Van Duong Thanh, created using oil and lacquer, with sizes ranging from about 0.5 m to 2 m. The artworks focus on familiar, symbolic themes in her creations such as mothers, children, rural landscapes, the old quarter of Hanoi, and Hanoi's four seasons of flowers.
Many of these works have been showcased at art museums and spaces in Vietnam, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Italy, and France. Through this, familiar images of Vietnamese life are introduced into a broad artistic exchange space, contributing to showcasing the beauty of Vietnamese culture, people, and spirit to an international audience.
This is the 135th exhibition in the artistic journey of artist Van Duong Thanh. In this exhibition, she invited dedicated and talented Vietnamese artists to participate, each introducing two works, creating a diverse artistic space in terms of style and theme.
The works of participating artists expand the theme from musical instruments, the universe, cockfighting to cyclo rides, corners of Hanoi streets, traditional opera, and folk theater. The presence of multiple generations and creative styles makes “VENUS” not just a personal showcase but a gathering of artists sharing a love for culture and life.
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| Visitors exploring the exhibition space. (Photo: Ha Anh) |
In her opening remarks, Ambassador of Mongolia to Vietnam Ganbaatar Hulan expressed her delight and honour to attend the event, congratulating artist Van Duong Thanh, other artists, and the organizers for creating a space where art, cultural exchange, and compassion meet.
According to Ambassador Ganbaatar Hulan, more than five decades dedicated to art have enabled artist Van Duong Thanh to create a unique dialogue between traditional Vietnamese art and Western modern art influences. From this, she has developed an artistic language deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture while being open to the world.
The Ambassador highly praised the female artist's ability to transform familiar images such as Hanoi's old quarter, flowers, landscapes, women, children, and family life into memories and emotions through vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes.
With works present in numerous museums and art collections worldwide, artist Van Duong Thanh is not only an accomplished artist but also a “cultural bridge,” connecting Vietnam with the international community through the universal language of art.
Art for the community, spreading friendship
A special feature of “VENUS” is the auction activity, which ties the value of art to social responsibility and community love.
Artist Van Duong Thanh stated she would dedicate an oil painting for auction to raise funds to support disadvantaged children and primary schools in Hung Yen. Additionally, her applied art pieces on silk scarves and traditional dresses are introduced to raise funds to help the elderly living alone.
Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh highly appreciated artist Van Duong Thanh's contributions to society, with over 50 works donated to charitable activities, supporting the poor, flood victims, and Covid-19 prevention efforts.
Ambassador of Mongolia to Vietnam Ganbaatar Hulan also noted that the charitable activities made the event even more meaningful, as art is not only celebrated as an aesthetic value but also becomes a means to share and support those facing difficulties in life.
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| Delegates attending the event take a commemorative photo. (Photo: Ha Anh) |
In her gratitude speech at the event, artist Van Duong Thanh expressed her emotions regarding the presence and affection of diplomats, artists, collectors, and the public. She especially thanked Sao Mai Joint Venture Company for accompanying and becoming a bridge between artists and collectors, allowing each artwork to have a new journey and story.
According to artist Van Duong Thanh, behind each painting are days of labor, contemplation, and creativity. When a work is given away, the artist not only gives a painting but also imbues it with dedication, love, memories, and dreams.
Artworks not only appear in collections but also become a resource to support the community, contributing to promoting cultural exchange and friendship between Vietnam and international friends.
