Exhibition: The art of connecting Vietnam and Poland in a 75-year journey

The event marks the conclusion of a series of activities celebrating 75 years of Vietnam-Poland diplomatic relations (1950-2025).

Attendees included Polish Ambassador Joanna Skoczek; Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Artistic Activities at the Temple of Literature; Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; representatives from various ministries and sectors, along with numerous diplomats and Vietnamese-Polish students.

Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Joanna Skoczek emphasized that the "Acquired Identity" exhibition is an opportunity to honour the long-standing friendship and the artistic-intellectual values cherished by the two nations for over seven decades. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

In her opening remarks, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Joanna Skoczek expressed her honour in hosting the event at one of Vietnam's most iconic cultural sites, which has frequently accompanied Vietnam-Poland cultural exchanges over the years.

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Ambassador Skoczek highlighted that this is an occasion to celebrate the enduring friendship and the artistic-intellectual values that the two countries have preserved for more than seven decades.

Ambassador Skoczek also affirmed that throughout the commemorative year, the embassy collaborated with numerous partners in Vietnam and Poland to implement cultural, educational, economic, and artistic activities; from the Polish Literature Week with nearly 120 books translated into Vietnamese to community art programs.

The "Acquired Identity" exhibition showcases over 200 watercolor works created by artist Minh Dam over the past 20 years, reflecting a 20-year journey of introspection, questioning, and forming a Vietnam-Poland intertwined identity.

Expressing emotion over Minh Dam's personal story — shaped by experiences moving between Vietnam and Poland, the Polish diplomat believes the theme "Acquired Identity" demonstrates that identity does not fade when one lives in two cultures; rather, it becomes richer and more profound.

Artist Minh Dam holds dual citizenship in Vietnam and Poland. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

For his part, artist Minh Dam shared that this exhibition is the largest personal project in his career, following earlier exhibitions like "Three Continents", "Searching for Identity", and "Poland - Miracles" previously showcased at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

"Born in Vietnam and raised in Poland, I carry within me two realms of memory, two aesthetics, two worldviews… There were times I felt divided. But I gradually realized: Identity is not a destination, but a journey, not something given, but something created through experience," the artist shared.

For artist Minh Dam, his story is also the story of many people from different cultures, those who are shaping their personal identity in an increasingly interconnected and multi-layered world.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Artistic Activities at the Temple of Literature, noted that Minh Dam's works create a subtle dialogue between past and present, between Vietnamese art and the flow of international fine arts. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Representing the organizing unit, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Artistic Activities at the Temple of Literature, emphasized that the exhibition held in this space, which preserves academic values and national spirit, carries special significance.

The choice of the Temple of Literature aims to reflect the young artist's desire to bring art back to its traditional cultural roots, from which it can sustainably and profoundly spread to the community.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu noted that Minh Dam's works create a subtle dialogue between past and present, between Vietnamese art and the flow of international fine arts, thereby spreading humanistic and creative values to the public.

"The combination of Vietnamese painting and Polish music today is evidence of the enduring values of cultural diplomacy – where art becomes a bridge connecting people, fostering mutual understanding and respect," the Director of the Center for Cultural and Artistic Activities at the Temple of Literature pointed out.

Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken expressed her impression of Minh Đàm's humanistic and modern perspective. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Additionally, many Ambassadors shared positive remarks about the exhibition. In an interview with The World and Vietnam Report, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken stated that she was particularly impressed with how artist Minh Dam narrates the story of identity's evolution as people move between cultures.

"He talks about identity being formed over time and never being static. I find that a very humanistic and modern perspective," Ambassador Solbakken expressed.

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama in an interview with The World and Vietnam Report. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama was also impressed by how artist Minh Dam portrays the connection between Vietnam and Poland through painting.

The Ambassador noted that his paintings not only depict landscapes or emotions but also open up a new perspective on cultural intersection, rich in depth and distinct from the familiar style of many Vietnamese artists. "When we see Minh Dam's paintings of Hanoi, there's a touch of 'Westernization'," Ambassador Saadi Salama shared his thoughts.

The performance by the OSP Nadarzyn Orchestra. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Following the opening ceremony, in the solemn and ancient space of the Temple of Literature, the audience continued to enjoy a performance by the OSP Nadarzyn Orchestra, one of the finest brass bands in Poland and Europe.

Founded in 1988, OSP Nadarzyn has won numerous street parade competitions in Europe and worldwide. This is a testament to Poland's long-standing and proud musical tradition, laid by great composers like Fryderyk Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Henryk Wieniawski.

The 45 young musicians delivered impressive performances, affirming the vibrant vitality of Poland's musical tradition. The presence of OSP Nadarzyn in Hanoi further amplifies the unifying power of art and the proud continuation of Poland's young generation of musicians.

The presence of OSP Nadarzyn in Hanoi. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Some images from the event

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