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The captivating Otherwise exhibition, a collaboration between three renowned artists in painting, literature, and sculpture, has debuted at the Center for Culture and Arts on 22 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi. Masterful creations by painter Le Thiet Cuong, writer Nguyen Viet Ha, and sculptor Dinh Cong Dat are on display, featuring 150 sculptural masks crafted from ceramic and papier-mâché. The exhibition showcases masks crafted from the artists’ own faces, capturing their unique expressions. Photo: Thuan Thu/The Hanoi Times United by a decades-long friendship, the artists felt compelled to merge their talents in literature and art. While their individual successes presented a challenge in finding a unifying theme, their shared passion for traditional elements and techniques guided their creative process. By inscribing classical phrases, old street names, and traditional patterns on the masks, the artists forged a deep connection to Hanoi’s ancient values. The materials they ...

An exquisite exhibition of lotus paintings has blossomed at a historic French villa in the heart of Hanoi’s downtown area. This artistic event marks one of the first cultural gatherings to grace the restored villa, offering a unique experience within its timeless walls. Titled “Pink Lotus,” the exhibition showcases a captivating collection of 18 paintings created by renowned contemporary artists, including the talented Binh Nhi, Pham An Hai, Hai Kien, and Dao Lien Huong. Each artwork reflects a unique perspective on the iconic lotus, a flower deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and history. The curator of this enchanting collection is art collector Thuy Anh, whose passion for the lotus and its symbolic significance inspired her to host an art talk in Hanoi. This engaging discussion delved into the beauty and cultural importance of the lotus in Vietnam, attracting the participation of artists and cultural researchers alike. A glimpse into the exhibition, where the beauty o...

The exhibition, *Untamed Souls*, presents a captivating contrast of artistic practices, exploring the physical, historical, and cultural dimensions of their craft. At the heart of the gallery lies a dramatic tableau—a banquet of symbols set for six. These cups, bowls, and platters form part of a larger series, *Wandering Souls – Lost Spirits*, comprising 54 place settings crafted between 2017 and 2023. Each setting represents one of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, offering a unique perspective on the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. Artist Manh, born in 1984 in Vinh Phuc Province, is a member of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association. His generous and intimate invitation to share this meal encourages spectators to engage in a ritualistic experience. Earlier in 2024, a portion of this series was exhibited in Hanoi. Manh, who currently lives and works in the city, has worked with various media since 2006, including paint, fibers, objects, and ceramics. Tung, a graduate of the HCM Fin...