A gathering of artists from the Southwest region of Vietnam in the capital city for the exhibition "Colors of the Mekong Delta".

When artists from the Western region of Vietnam gather for an exhibition in the capital city.

With diverse materials, themes, and styles, 10 artists from the Western provinces of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, and Vinh Long recreated the landscapes, people, and distinctive cultural features of the Mekong Delta. In addition, their poetic perspectives on the mountains and forests of the Northwest, and the Vietnamese people's love of nature, offered the Hanoi audience a unique art exhibition.

The "Colors of the Western Region" exhibition brings together 99 works in characteristic materials such as oil paint, acrylic, woodblock prints, colored pencils, watercolors, and digital prints, showcasing the unique artistic styles of 10 artists: Phan Thai Hoang, Ho Van Hung, Ly Cao Tan, Nguyen Luu, Du Minh Chien, Van Minh Chieu, Le Ngoc Quynh, Le Viet Hong, Lai Lam Tung, and Ly Huynh Nhu.

Speaking with Travellive, artist Phan Thai Hoang emphasized: "Through their artworks, each artist, with their different styles and materials, shares a common desire to introduce the beauty of their homeland, its people, and the unique cultural characteristics of the Mekong Delta region, along with its distinctive cultural values, to art lovers in Hanoi. The group was established in 2019, and we usually exhibit in Ho Chi Minh City every year. This year, 'Colors of the Mekong Delta' is making its first appearance in Hanoi. This time, I personally exhibited some paintings from the Northwest region and also paintings of the Mekong Delta. The meaning behind it is the intertwining of the natural beauty of the two regions, representing the art of our country, originating from the northernmost point of the country and stretching all the way to the southernmost tip of Ca Mau."

10 artists with diverse styles and schools of thought.

Artist Ho Van Hung's works are always gentle, profound, and reflect the traditional aspects of the nation, sometimes subtly hinting at philosophical insights into human life. The bright colors depict everyday life but are imbued with the cultural identity of a land with a rich history of inter-ethnic community exchange.

Artist Ly Cao Tan's work showcases the harsh conditions of the Mekong Delta, a land that forges people with strong will and resilience, as seen in his pieces: "Ca Mau Gas-Electricity-Fertilizer Project," "Whirlwind," "Offshore Bottom," "The Revenge of Heaven and Earth," "Crossing the River," etc. These works are not only the result of a creative artistic process but also contain the love and pride of the people of Ca Mau. Furthermore, the artist also shows the public the image of the dedicated soldiers of Uncle Ho's army bringing the light of culture to children on Hon Chuoi Island.

Having lived and grown up in the historically significant and culturally rich land of Vinh Long, artist Nguyen Luu's paintings offer a fresh perspective on life in the Mekong Delta, imbued with the essence of the southern region.

The overflowing love for human life and the works associated with fishermen in the riverine region are expressed in the works: "Sound of Waves in the West," "Shadows of Alluvium," "Waves Far Out at Sea," "Hidden Corner of the Blue Sea," "Vastness of the Scattered Land," "Space of the Cape," "Alluvium Chorus," etc., by artist Du Minh Chien.

Meanwhile, artist Van Minh Chieu creates works closely linked to local cultural values, the soul of his homeland, and his feelings about everything around him. Therefore, the artist expresses himself wholeheartedly through his "Woodblock" paintings, featuring still lifes of vibrant flowers and foliage that are simple, rustic, yet relatable to everyone. Bringing peace to each work, the artist also possesses a passionate spirit in his unique printmaking style.

Artist Le Ngoc Quynh presents her "Story of the Crane" series – a collection of watercolor paintings launched after more than three years in the making. The focal point is the captivating image of the crane, becoming a powerful symbol of the riverine bird of the Mekong Delta. The compositions of the paintings are alluring, with the crane standing against a backdrop of the vast sky.

At the "Colors of the Western Region" 2023 exhibition, artist Lai Lam Tung portrays the Buddhist philosophy of bringing life and peace to humanity, along with works depicting the beauty of the natural landscapes and people of the alluvial plains of Ca Mau, the southernmost tip of Vietnam.

Artist Le Viet Hong depicts the beauty of his homeland, the country's beautiful nature and people, the vast sea and forests, the peaceful land where birds flock, and the rich forest and sea resources through a number of works on the theme: The Sea - Forest and the Cape of Ca Mau.

For the third "Colors of the Western Region" exhibition, artist Phan Thai Hoang showcases his work, the culmination of years of dedication and experience gained from trips to the Northwest, the rocky plateau, and the waterways of the Mekong Delta. At this exhibition, the artist presents several works, including "Moon of the Northwest," "Moon of the Rocky Plateau," and more.

Finally, artist Ly Huynh Nhu, with her works depicting sunsets stretching across the southernmost tip of the country, the shadows of mangrove trees reflected in the twilight, creates the poetic "tranquil mangrove forest" scene of her homeland, Ca Mau.

The art exhibition has contributed to promoting and spreading the beauty of the land and the kind, amiable people of the Mekong Delta. The "Colors of the Mekong Delta" exhibition is open from July 16 to 25, 2023 at the Fine Arts Exhibition House, 16 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Text and photos: Phuong Thao