Russia through the eyes of a Vietnamese-born artist

WVR - An exhibition by Vietnamese-born painter Claudie Van is currently being held at the All-Russian Decorative Art Museum under the Russian Ministry of Culture.
Nước Nga trong tâm hồn hoạ sĩ gốc Việt
Director Elena Viktorovna Titova praises Claudie Van's deep affection for Russia, highlighting the significance of this exhibition as part of the celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia. (Photo: VNA)

Titled Russia in My Soul, the exhibition showcases nearly 50 oil paintings by artist Claudie Van as part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation (January 30, 1950 – 2025).

The opening event on May 26 drew representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, the Russian Ministry of Culture, the museum's leadership, as well as a large number of Vietnamese expatriates and Russian friends with deep affection for Vietnam’s land, people, and culture.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Elena Viktorovna Titova, Director of the All-Russian Decorative Art Museum, expressed her admiration for Claudie Van — an artist from a geographically distant country who is spiritually close to Russia, able to feel and convey the essence of traditional Russian landscapes and people. She noted that the artist had traveled extensively across Russia, capturing its many cities and iconic landmarks.

According to Counselor Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Head of the Political Section at the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, the exhibition presents a vibrant and diverse artistic portrayal of a country that has long held a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. She affirmed that it reflects the strengthening and positive development of bilateral relations, and expressed hope that Vietnam-Russia ties will continue to yield even greater achievements in the future.

A painting by artist Claudie Van on display at the exhibition. (Photo: VNA)
A painting by artist Claudie Van on display at the exhibition. (Photo: VNA)

Artist Claudie Van expressed her joy and honor as the exhibition is included in the commemorative programme of the Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations. Each work, she explained, was inspired by a moment or story from her life in Russia, forming a visual journey of personal discovery and emotional connection.

Tthe exhibition features nearly 50 oil paintings that depict the breathtaking natural landscapes and world-famous landmarks of Russia, as well as scenes from the artist’s everyday life in Moscow. Each painting tells a story - moments and emotions the artist experienced during her time living and working in Russia - woven together as a personal journey to reconnect with her own soul and emotions.

In her works, Claudie Van also highlights the cultural parallels between the Russian and Vietnamese people: deep familial bonds, intergenerational continuity, and a shared reverence for national traditions and cultural values.

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