The works in the exhibit include a variety of traditional and contemporary styles that are characteristic of the region.
They were selected from the latest collections from 43 young and veteran artists who are members of two prestigious art groups, the Mekong Fine Arts Club in HCM City and the Tien Giang Fine Arts Association branch in Tien Giang Province.
The association’s deputy chairman Pham Do Dong said that he hoped the show would be warmly received.
“People can see traditional and contemporary southwestern Viet Nam being portrayed with a new vigour and passion. But the region’s cultural heritage is still overwhelmingly present,” said Dong, who is also a member of the organising board.
On display are oil paintings and sculptures by Pham An Hoa, Phan Phan and Kong Tam, as well as ceramics by Huynh Thi Cuc and Le Trieu Dien.
Tam’s sculpture called Chuong Bao (Storm Bell) is one of the most impressive works, which portray simple scenes of daily life. Using bamboo and dippers made of coconut shell, he features the inner spirit of southern people.
Hoa’s series of three oil paintings, Nguyet Xua (Old Moon), Tim Xua (Old Violet) and Thu Xua (Old Autumn), portray young girls in different emotional states.
Veteran painters Hoang Anh and Hong Linh have sent their favourite works to the event.
Younger artists Nguyen Hoang and Nguyen Thanh Cong are represented by their works on wood, paper and silk, Co Gai Tay Nguyen (The Highlands Girl) Bien Vang (Deserted Sea).
“My friends and I have been able to learn more about Viet Nam’s culture and people through the exhibit,” said Pham Hoai Nam, a cameraman who visited the event’s opening ceremony last week.
Founded in 1996, the Mekong Fine Arts Club attracts dozens of young and veteran artists, critics and art researchers in HCM City.
The Tien Giang Fine Arts Association is a familiar address for artists living in southwestern provinces.
The exhibition will run until next Monday. It opens every day from 9am to 6pm at 218A Pasteur Street in District 3, HCM City. — VNS
