An exhibition on Vietnamese folk paintings opened in Paris on July 27 aiming to introduce the country’s folk cultural treasure to the French public, international friends and overseas Vietnamese in France.

The event is being jointly held by the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (VNFAM) and the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France (VCCF) as one of activities to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties.

On display were 65 works representing popular folk painting genres of Vietnam such as Dong Ho (Bac Ninh northern province), Hang Trong (Hanoi), Kim Hoang (former Ha Tay northern province), Lang Sinh (Thua Thien-Hue central province) and the ancient worship paintings of Nghe An (Doc Loi paintings) and Vinh Phuc (Vu Di paintings).

Though using different styles, the paintings shared the characteristics of striking colours and strong brushworks which reflect Vietnamese people’s century-old aspiration for a peaceful, well-off and happy life.

The themes are varied, ranging from scenes in daily life, farming work, to religious activities, spiritual life and historical events.

VCCF Director Le Hong Chuong said Vietnam ’s folk paintings cover special cultural values and reflect the spiritual life of Vietnamese people through works on festivals, belief and legends as well as feature the country’s precious intangible cultural values.

The event will run until September 16.-VNA