Impressive works at 2021 Vietnam Ceramics Exhibition

Hosted by the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibitions under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event is being held at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum at No.66 Nguyen Thai Hoc street. After over four months of launch, the organising board received 278 entries by 120 artisans from 25 cities and provinces. Of which, 107 works by 56 artisans were chosen for display, six of them received the same prizes. The works are divided into artistic and applicable forms, thus creating visual impression on visitors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many artisans are unable to be present at the event but their works also feature the impacts of the pandemic on contemporary life. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

According to the organising board, the event affords visitors a chance to contemplate the diversity of ceramic materials and richness of shaping methodologies. Apart from artistic ceramics, a number of applicable ceramic works by artisans from traditional craft villages also made a strong impression on visitors. The combination between visual elements of painting, inheritance of the quintessence of traditional pottery, and new discovery in enamel colour, patterns and decors created modern and highly aesthetic works. The works on display reflect artisans’ creativity, innovative techniques, experimental designs and decoration styles with pottery. They also illustrate efforts to protect and promote the essence of traditional Vietnamese ceramic arts while blending a fresh air of modernity into their works. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong said the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of life over the past time, including cultural-art activities across the country. At this time, difficulties have temporarily been over and activities have resumed in the new normal. The opening of the 2021 Vietnam Ceramics Exhibition marks the return of cultural-art activities, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of art lovers in the capital city and nationwide. According to the deputy minister, works on display are representing contemporary Vietnamese ceramic arts. “It is the result of creativity, passion and dedication by artisans in preserving and upholding the quintessence of traditional pottery”, he said. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

To produce a beautiful and durable pottery product, it takes a long process and requires meticulousness. The processes of molding, shaping products are always the most difficult steps, which require skillfulness and meticulousness. The product shaping process requires two people. One person stands on the ground with one leg and uses the other foot to kick the rotary turntable, while the other person uses two hands to knead the clay into desired shapes. After being shaped, pottery products are taken out to the sun, then baked in traditional wood stoves. Although this is the last stage, it is extremely important, requiring right heat and time to be able to create the best products. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The 'New Normal' work by Nguyen Khac Quan in Hanoi, which was created in 2020 when the first COVID-19 wave hit the country, received the same prize together with 'White Highland' by Phan Thanh Son, 'White Horse' by Nguyen Bao Toan, 'Childhood Story' by Le Van Khuy, and 'Hanoi in my heart' by Nguyen Danh Tu. It depicts faces hidden behind cloth, revealing only the eyes. It is also an iconic image, capturing a rapidly changing era of mankind in face of the pandemic. Other familiar topics like the beauty of women, children, animals (buffaloes, horses, goats, monkeys, fish...) are expressed through many creative perspectives, evoking emotions and thoughts. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many artisans are unable to be present at the event but their works also feature the impacts of the pandemic on contemporary life. The work 'Intrusion' by Nguyen Van Do is one of them, featuring a couple when they exchange a kiss, but are interrupted by a virus-like object. Notably, there are not only works by painters and sculptors but also others by artisans from traditional craft villages nationwide. Together with beautifully decorated ceramic works, others are also rich in social content, profound human philosophy, and clear sculptural structure. Many use traditional terracotta materials but have high shaping techniques and new ideas. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Virus shape in the work 'Prevention' by Nguyen Xuan Dem also appears. There are also a variety of materials such as colored glazed ceramics, silver-coated ceramics, copper and wood composite ceramics, and paintings on ceramics. To produce a beautiful and durable pottery product, it takes a long process and requires meticulousness. The product shaping process requires two people. One person stands on the ground with one leg and uses the other foot to kick the rotary turntable, while the other person uses two hands to knead the clay into desired shapes. After being shaped, pottery products are taken out to the sun, then baked in traditional wood stoves. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The work 'Three monkeys' by Do Ba Quang from Hanoi is inspired by the trio of deities Phuc (Happiness), Loc (Wealth) and Tho (Longevity), and his zodiac animal. The monkey is also a common figure in his sculptures. Apart from artistic ceramics, a number of applicable ceramic works by artisans from traditional craft villages also made a strong impression. The combination between visual elements of painting, inheritance of the quintessence of traditional pottery, and new discovery in enamel colour, patterns and decors created modern and highly aesthetic works. The works on display reflect artisans’ creativity, innovative techniques, experimental designs and decoration styles with pottery. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

'She' by Nguyen Thu Thuy from the northern province of Hung Yen is also an artistic ceramic work in coloured glaze wood material. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong said the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of life over the past time, including cultural-art activities across the country. At this time, difficulties have temporarily been over and activities have resumed in the new normal. The opening of the 2021 Vietnam Ceramics Exhibition marks the return of cultural and art activities, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of art lovers in the capital city and nationwide. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

'Yoga twist' in silver-coated ceramic material was created by Bui Duc Thanh from Hanoi. According to an artisan, pottery is an art, but the way he thinks and the way he performs his pottery making skills are based from a cultural point of view. He takes the traditional value of the legends and puts it into the products he makes. His working style is to preserve and promote cultural values of many generations. Notably, there are not only works by painters and sculptors but also others by artisans from traditional craft villages nationwide. Together with beautifully decorated ceramic works, others are also rich in social content, profound human philosophy, and clear sculptural structure. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

'Good Tree' by Nguyen Khac Quan is inspired by the vitality of tree and soil. According to the organising board, the event affords visitors a chance to contemplate the diversity of ceramic materials and richness of shaping methodologies. Apart from artistic ceramics, a number of applicable ceramic works by artisans from traditional craft villages also made a strong impression. The combination between visual elements of painting, inheritance of the quintessence of traditional pottery, and new discovery in enamel colour, patterns and decors created modern and highly aesthetic works. Other familiar topics like the beauty of women, children, animals (buffaloes, horses, goats, monkeys, fish...) are expressed through many creative perspectives, evoking emotions and thoughts. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Close to plowing and muddy soil, the image of a buffalo also appears in many works at the exhibition. Pictured is 'Green Field' by Le Van Khuy from the northern province of Hai Duong on ceramic, bronze, wood materials. The work 'Three monkeys' by Do Ba Quang from Hanoi is inspired by the trio of deities Phuc (Happiness), Loc (Wealth) and Tho (Longevity), and his zodiac animal. The monkey is also a common figure in his sculptures. The combination between visual elements of painting, inheritance of the quintessence of traditional pottery, and new discovery in enamel colour, patterns and decors created modern and highly aesthetic works. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

'Floating water season' on coloured glaze red ceramic by Luu Thi Thanh Lan from Hanoi. After over four months of launch, the organising board received 278 entries by 120 artisans from 25 cities and provinces across the country. Of which, 107 works by 56 artisans were chosen for display, six of them received the same prize. The works are divided into artistic and applicable forms, thus creating visual impression on visitors. The 'New Normal' work by Nguyen Khac Quan from Hanoi, which was created in 2020 when the first COVID-19 wave hit the country, received the same prize together with 'White Highland' by Phan Thanh Son, 'White Horse' by Nguyen Bao Toan, 'Childhood Story' by Le Van Khuy, and 'Hanoi in my heart' by Nguyen Danh Tu. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A detail on the work 'Wandering' on glazed ceramic by Tran Duc Tan from Hanoi. According to an artisan, pottery is an art, but the way he thinks and the way he performs his pottery making skills are based from a cultural point of view. He takes the traditional value of the legends and puts it into the products he makes. His working style is to preserve and promote cultural values of many generations. Notably, there are not only works by painters and sculptors but also others by artisans from traditional craft villages nationwide. Together with beautifully decorated ceramic works, others are also rich in social content, profound human philosophy, and clear sculptural structure. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

'Fish' on glazed ceramic materials by Pham Quang Ngoc from Ho Chi Minh City. According to the organising board, the event affords visitors a chance to contemplate the diversity of ceramic materials and richness of shaping methodologies. Apart from artistic ceramics, a number of applicable ceramic works by artisans from traditional craft villages also made a strong impression on visitors. They also illustrate efforts to protect and promote the essence of traditional Vietnamese ceramic arts while blending a fresh air of modernity into their works. Notably, there are not only works by painters and sculptors but also others by artisans from traditional craft villages nationwide. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Applicable ceramic work 'Season of flowers' by Tran Thi Thu Hang combines pottery, pearls and metals. Virus shape in the work 'Prevention' by Nguyen Xuan Dem also appears. There are also a variety of materials such as colored glazed ceramics, silver-coated ceramics, copper and wood composite ceramics, and paintings on ceramics. The work 'Three monkeys' by Do Ba Quang from Hanoi is inspired by the trio of deities Phuc (Happiness), Loc (Wealth) and Tho (Longevity), and his zodiac animal. The monkey is also a common figure in his sculptures. The opening of the 2021 Vietnam Ceramics Exhibition marks the return of cultural and art activities, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of art lovers in the capital city and nationwide. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Being held at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum at No.66 Nguyen Thai Hoc street, the event is hosted by the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibitions under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many artisans are unable to be present at the event but their works also feature the impacts of the pandemic on contemporary life. The work 'Intrusion' by Nguyen Van Do is one of them, featuring a couple when they exchange a kiss, but are interrupted by a virus-like object. Notably, there are not only works by painters and sculptors but also others by artisans from traditional craft villages nationwide. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Lasting until October 27, the event has drawn visitors and highlighted aesthetic sense and creativity of artisans across the country. According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of life over the past time, including cultural and art activities across the country. At this time, difficulties have temporarily been over and activities have resumed in the new normal. The opening of the 2021 Vietnam Ceramics Exhibition marks the return of cultural and art activities, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of art lovers in the capital city and nationwide. “It is the result of creativity, passion and dedication by artisans in preserving and upholding the quintessence of traditional pottery”, he said. (Photo: VietnamPlus)