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This is a special art event, marking a unique intersection of two creative styles, two artistic souls from two great cultures – Japan and Vietnam. The exhibition not only showcases captivating works but also opens up a space for reflection on art, faith, femininity, and the relationship between humanity and nature.
The two exhibitions are currently on display at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
"Movement in Stillness": The meditative spirit in creativity
Japanese artist Katsumi Mukai, with a career spanning several decades, presents "Movement in Stillness," a collection of wood sculptures and pencil drawings. Through each detail, he recreates the harmony between nature and humanity, between movement and stillness. For Mukai, creation is not just about producing works of art, but also a way of life, a journey to find peace and balance in life.
"Movement in Stillness": The meditative spirit in creativity
Mukai is known for his calm work ethic and absolute dedication to art. He likens creation to a form of meditation, where each chisel stroke on wood or each brushstroke on paper is an expression of the soul. For him, wood and paper – the two main materials in his works – are not just materials but also means of connecting with nature. He explains that the core essence of paper originates from wood, and when working with paper, he feels as if he is continuing his creative journey on wood.
Mukai's wood sculptures, with their rustic yet profound beauty, embody a spirit of harmonious living with nature. Each line exudes calmness and serenity, yet contains within it the powerful vitality of the universe. Similarly, his pencil drawings, though simple in form, possess a powerful expressive force, like whispers from the depths of the earth. Mukai doesn't just create art; he lives with art, transporting viewers into a space brimming with pure energy and genuine emotion.
For him, wood and paper are not just materials, but also means of connecting with nature.
"Aspiration": A journey celebrating femininity and faith
The exhibition "Prayer" by artist and art theorist Nguyen Quan is a heartfelt project conceived in 2017, when he returned to his passion for creation after a long period focusing on research and writing. Featuring 16 oil paintings, 7 sculptures, and a partial architectural representation of the "Temple of the Mother Goddess," the exhibition is a prayer, honoring femininity and the pristine, exquisite beauty of humanity throughout the ages.
Nguyen Quan drew creative inspiration from a painful period in humanity's history – the Covid-19 pandemic. He describes it as a time when anxiety, fear, and suffering spread everywhere, but it was also during this time that Mother Earth and nature were miraculously reborn. "Nguyện" (Wish) was born as a symbol of hope and rebirth during those difficult times.
The exhibition "Wish" by artist and art theorist Nguyen Quan is a heartfelt project that has been in development since 2017.
The Temple of the Mother Goddess, the central idea of the exhibition, is a work of art that integrates architecture, sculpture, painting, and spirituality. Nguyen Quan shared that the overarching theme of the project is "Beauty - Love - Life" – a belief in femininity, love, and fertility, symbolizing the principles that sustain human life and happiness. The project is not religious in nature, but it evokes profound aesthetic and spiritual experiences, reminiscent of the early days when belief and art were intertwined.
In the exhibition, large-scale paintings depict nude women – symbols of primal beauty and reverence. Nguyen Quan argues that nudity in art not only celebrates the human body but also serves as a tribute to the divine and the universe. Ceramic and stone sculptures, with their free and powerful forms, continue the exploration of feminine beauty through diverse forms of expression.
A dialogue between two styles of artistic creation.
The combination of "Movement in Silence" and "Prayer" is not only a meeting between two great artists but also an inspiring dialogue between two cultures. While Mukai brings peace, tranquility, and the connection between humanity and nature, Nguyen Quan evokes reflections on femininity, faith, and the exquisite beauty within the flow of art history.
Both artists share the belief that art is not only an expression of individuality but also a bridge between people and the world around them. Their works, while distinct in style, all aim towards common values: respect for nature, reverence for beauty, and a yearning for peace.
In this dual exhibition space, viewers can admire unique works that evoke feelings and reflections.
In this dual exhibition space, viewers can admire unique works that evoke feelings and reflections. With "Movement in Silence," viewers are led into Mukai's world, where even the smallest details contain the wonder of nature. Meanwhile, Nguyen Quan's "Wish" brings intense emotions, prompting viewers to contemplate the nature of life, faith, and existence.
Through this exhibition, Mukai and Nguyen Quan have created a space where art and spirituality intersect, where stillness and movement intertwine, and where traditional and modern values coexist. This is an invitation to all those who love contemporary art, seek peace, and want to explore the profound values of life.
Here are some other images from the two exhibitions:
The exhibition "Prayer" features 16 oil paintings, 7 sculptures, and a partial architectural representation of the "Mother's Prayer Temple" project.
The "Wish" exhibition space is located on the first floor.
The second floor houses the exhibition "Movement in Stillness".
Katsumi Mukai's pencil drawings, though simple in form, possess a powerful expressive quality.
Their works, though distinct in style, all share common values: respect for nature, reverence for beauty, and a yearning for peace.
