Exhibition “History in Pictures” – Blending Art and Historical Memories
On the morning of December 19, 2024, at the Ho Guom Cultural Information Center (2 Le Thai To, Hanoi), the art exhibition “Pages of History in Colors and Shapes” officially opened, drawing significant attention from art enthusiasts and those seeking to reconnect with the nation’s heroic historical memories.
The event was held in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 – December 22, 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day. The exhibition showcases over 40 works of painting and sculpture, including 30 battlefront sketches created directly in the midst of war, with notable pieces depicting President Ho Chi Minh from 1930 to 1975, as well as 15 works reflecting the image of the military and people during the two wars of resistance and in labor and production following the Doi Moi reforms.
The delegates cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibition.
The opening ceremony took place in a solemn yet warm atmosphere, attended by artists, collectors, representatives from the Ho Guom Lake and Old Quarter Management Board, as well as a large number of visitors. The exhibition space was both intimate and respectful, allowing viewers to easily appreciate the profound significance of the artworks. Older guests, who had lived through the brutal historical period, could not hide their emotions when standing before paintings depicting the haunting yet heroic battlefields. Meanwhile, younger visitors and families with children were particularly drawn to the vibrant and accessible way the art conveyed historical stories.
The artwork “The Information Girls” (150x380cm) – a lacquer painting by artist Nguyễn Cương, which won the bronze medal at the 1980 National Fine Arts Exhibition. Photo: Thu Trang.
The exhibition displays more than 30 direct battlefield sketches, realistically depicting the life and struggles of our people and soldiers during the wars of resistance against France and the United States. Among the highlighted works is “The Information Girls” (150x380cm), a lacquer painting by artist Nguyễn Cương. Using traditional lacquer materials, the painting blends deep, earthy tones of brown, golden yellow, and dark red, creating a work with a mysterious yet captivating depth. The composition is tightly structured, with female figures arranged in a horizontal line, each holding communication devices, their gaze directed forward, radiating a sense of determination and resilience.
In contrast to the industrial atmosphere and the smoke of war in Nguyễn Cương’s works, “Afternoon Forest” by artist Nguyễn Đức Dụ opens up a peaceful, poetic natural space, like a gentle symphony of earth, sky, and humanity. This large-scale oil painting evokes a sense of tranquility and intimacy, yet remains profound and reflective.
The sculpture “Peace 2” stands out at the exhibition, a testament to the talent of artist Tạ Quang Bạo in using abstract forms to convey deep messages about peace and inner stillness. Made from composite materials, the glossy surface of the sculpture reflects the light of time, giving a sense of durability and eternity. The simple yet powerful shapes suggest a moment of human reflection or rest, seeking harmony between the soul and the world. The soft curves intertwined with sharp angles create an interesting contrast, highlighting both inner strength and a deep, sensitive beauty.
These paintings, like slow-motion films, vividly recreate the fierce atmosphere of the battlefield, from the smoky trenches to the rare peaceful moments in the shelters. Notably, the portrayal of President Hồ Chí Minh is depicted in a simple, approachable, and inspiring manner, reflecting the artists’ reverence for the great leader. Additionally, 15 other works depict the images of our military and people during the heroic days of resistance, as well as in labor and production in the post-reform era. These works, with their artistic language both realistic and imaginative, not only express patriotism but also honor the Vietnamese people’s resilience and their aspirations for peace.
The exhibition attracted a large number of Hanoi residents on its opening day. Photo: Thu Trang.
The exhibition is not only an ideal destination for art lovers but also draws the attention of those passionate about exploring the nation’s history. Particularly, the artworks with their direct, realistic, and emotionally rich painting style have strongly captivated the younger generation. Many art students visited to admire the paintings and learn techniques, while parents brought their children to explore history through the language of visual art.
The sculptures, with their refined forms, also stood out and captured the attention of foreign visitors. For them, it was not only an opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese culture but also a chance to experience the strong national spirit conveyed through art.
The works at the exhibition seem to connect the past with the present. Photo: Thu Trang.
The exhibition is not only an art event but also holds significant educational value. Each piece serves as a vivid history lesson, helping viewers, especially the younger generation, gain a deeper understanding of the establishment and development of the Vietnam People’s Army as well as the country’s national defense policy. It also offers the public an opportunity to explore visual arts, a field that has always been closely linked to the national spirit and the desire for peace.
What makes “Pages of History in Colors and Shapes” special is the way the artists use visual language to recreate history. From the bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors to the refined lines of sculpture, the exhibition creates a space where memory and art intersect, allowing each viewer to feel the sacredness of the wartime years while also seeing the light of hope and indomitable strength.
The exhibition will run until December 29, 2024. It is an opportunity for Hanoi residents and visitors from all over to admire the vivid pages of history through art, while also discovering a deep connection between the past and the present. “Pages of History in Colors and Shapes” is a journey of gratitude and tribute to the people who have written the glorious history with their own lives.