Xua va Nay (Past and Present) Magazine coordinated with Heritage Inns to open an exhibition featuring the Tiger – animal designation of the 2022 Lunar New Year, in Hanoi, on January 8.
Exhibition space
As an activity within the series of the "My zodiac animal" programme, held annually on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet), the exhibition introduces a set of tiger themed paintings in the style of Hang Trong paintings, through a new perspective of artist and designer Nguyen Minh Ngoc; tiger in the theme of 12 animals by painter Le Tri Dung; tiger-themed ceramics collection by artist Nguyen Van Toan; and the collection of "Khi Phach Uy Manh" (mighty spirit) of the Heritage Inns.
The exhibition also introduces the art of shaping the Vietnamese tiger through industrial art products, applied to contemporary life.
At the exhibition, several works were announced for the first time, with high applicability. The organising board also displayed a large-sized "Ngu Ho" (Five tigers) painting, which was completely hand-painted, using the traditional method of gilding.
The works were selected for exhibition through the consultation of historian Duong Trung Quoc, Le Van Lan; Art critic Nguyen Do Bao, art researcher Nguyen Manh Duc and Hang Trong painting artist Le Dinh Nghien.
Speaking about the exhibition, historian Duong Trung Quoc said that this is an art activity in the spirit of spreading traditional cultural values, aesthetics and encouraging people who make art to create new products, while bringing positive inspiration and optimism in life.
Compared to previous years, this year's exhibition is smaller in scale, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the content and spirit are still promoted, contributing positive values to cultural life.
Bringing a unique collection of tiger-themed ceramics, artist Nguyen Van Toan said that Vietnamese ceramics may not be attractive at first sight, but they have hidden beauty. In order to discover that beauty, it is necessary to take the time to observe and learn the historical origins of each period.
Vietnamese pottery towards relaxation, not bound by rules, not imposed. That is the spirit of freedom in expression.
Young artist Nguyen Minh Ngoc shared, the process of learning and painting Hang Trong is the motivation for her to learn about the culture, customs and beliefs of the Vietnamese people. Painting and graphic design are two parallel and complementary jobs. The layout, colour, shape, and style of Hang Trong's paintings can all be applied and developed to be included in graphic publications.
The exhibition also features special paintings of tigers by artist Le Tri Dung.
Some pictures of the exhibition:
The public pays special attention to the topic of tigers.
The image of the tiger is the theme throughout the exhibition. (Photo: Minh Duy)
Young artist Nguyen Minh Ngoc expressed her hope, that products bearing the breath of Vietnamese folk will become close to young people and international friends.
The tiger-themed works by painter and graphic designer Nguyen Minh Ngoc are inspired by the Hang Trong line of paintings. (Photo: Minh Duy)
The work of a ceramic tiger by artist Nguyen Van Toan is full of powerful mettle. (Photo: Minh Duy)
Tiger in the theme of 12 animals by painter Le Tri Dung. (Photo: Minh Duy)
Works are completely hand-painted, using traditional methods of gilding on the paintings. (Photo: Minh Duy)