An installation art “The Story of water” by Pham Thuy Tien. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Hanoi (VNA) – The exhibition "Friendship: Singapore and Vietnam 50-10" opened at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum on September 9, showcasing artworks by 14 artists from the two countries.
Taking place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations (August 1, 1973 - August 1, 2023) and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership (September 11, 2013 - September 11, 2023), the exhibition reflects friendship through artworks inspired by the history and culture of the two countries’ people.
It is also an opportunity to introduce and recognise contemporary and traditional art practices in the two countries, including paintings on different materials (oil paint, ink, silk, do paper, and dyed fabric), photography, ceramics, sculpture, and digital interactive video works.
Singapore Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. (Photo: VietnamPlus) Singapore Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam said that the exhibition brings together young and senior artists from Vietnam and Singapore.
“Inspired by the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, the artists worked together to create and explore the similarities as well as the differences between the people and cultures of the two countries to create works of art,” the Ambassador said.
He said that art is a wonderful thing that has the power to transcend languages and borders and bring people together. He hopes that as visitors enjoy the artworks on display, they will find their connections of friendship as seen through the eyes of the artists and their unique artistic journeys.
Jeffrey Wandly, Chairman of the Exhibition, speaks at the event. (Photo: VietnamPlus) Jeffrey Wandly, Chairman of the Exhibition, said the exhibition resonates deeply with the spirit of friendship between Singapore and Vietnam over the years.
By transcending language and borders, art has the power to forge meaningful connections. The exhibition serves as a dynamic platform to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding and to celebrate the enduring relationship between the two nations, he said.
“This event reminds us of the deep-rooted ties between our nations and catalyzes future collaborations in the arts and culture. It is our shared hope that it will contribute to the strong friendship and understanding between the people of both countries," he said.
The exhibition is a dialogue between Vietnamese and Singaporean artists. (Photo: VietnamPlus) Besides Jeffrey Wandly, other artists have works displayed at the exhibition are Pham Thuy Tien, Cao Thuc, Duong Manh Quyet, Vu Hoang, Au Dinh Kien, Nguyen Hoang Dung, Ha Chau Bao Nhi, Ruslan Vu from Vietnam and Masturah Sha 'ari, Hiroko Mita, P. Gnana, Terence Tan and Dominic Thian from Singapore.
The exhibition is curated and organised by Singapore’s Maya Gallery and Vietnam’s Chau & Co Gallery under the sponsorship of the Singapore Embassy in Vietnam.
According to curator Vanessa Yeo, the works are about landscapes, ancient architecture, urban landscapes, history, religion, society, and mythology, demonstrating many similarities in the two countries' cultures. All blend, becoming a platform to discover cultural connections.
The exhibition runs until September 14 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hanoi./.
Some works in the exhibition:
'Perfume River - Hue Ancient Capital' on “do” paper by artist Jeffrey Wandly. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
'Nothing but love' by artist P. Gnana with the inspiration from his love for his mother. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Sculpture 'The Healer' by artist P. Gnana. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
'Singapura' by Au Dinh Kien. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Painting series 'Silent Reflection' by Masturah Sha'ari. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Cluster of sculptures by Japanese artist Hiroko Mita. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
'Tree' - Oil painting on canvas by Vu Hoang. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
