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Featuring hundreds of diverse artworks ranging from paintings and sculptures to virtual reality, the "Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds" exhibition offers art lovers a creative space where tradition and modernity blend together, with the participation of talented artists and designers.
In the spirit of welcoming the Lunar New Year of the Snake 2025, the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, in collaboration with the magazine "Past and Present," the Heritage Club, and various artists, painters, designers, and researchers, organized the exhibition "Dragons and Snakes Ascending to the Clouds" at the Cultural and Arts Center (22 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi).
"Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds" - a special art event marking the 7-year journey of honoring the 12 zodiac animals of Vietnam.
This exhibition showcases works that recreate the seven-year journey of the "My Zodiac Animal" project through art. These applied art products have contributed to creating an annual event to honor the representative zodiac animal of the year nationwide every Lunar New Year.
"Dragons and Snakes Ascending to the Clouds" showcases and introduces the image of the snake – the symbol of 2025 – through diverse expressive languages from painting, graphic art, sculpture, ceramics, applied arts, installation art, VR3D virtual reality technology, and specialized seminars by reputable researchers to highlight the image of the snake from many perspectives, from everyday life and folk art to its important role as a deity in the Mother Goddess worship tradition.
The participation of talented artists and designers.
Speaking to Travellive, Mr. Tran Thanh Tung, a representative of the organizing committee, shared: "The 'My Zodiac Sign' project has been running for 7 years, and this year we chose the Hang Buom Heritage Hall as the location because it is closely related to the theme 'Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds'. The Old Quarter is rich in cultural heritage, with 7 prominent heritage sites within a radius of less than 500 meters, which is also the meaning of this year's theme. Besides, according to researchers, the image of the Vietnamese dragon also originates from the snake. The dragon symbolizes the combination of yin and yang, while the snake represents yin. Vietnamese stories always aim for balance between the five elements and yin and yang. Interestingly, the image of the snake is also incorporated into the worship of the Mother Goddess, especially in the Four Palaces belief system."
The 12 zodiac animals in a work by artist Le Tri Dung.
Discussing the image of the Snake in Vietnamese culture, historian Le Van Lan affirmed: "The difference from the Chinese language and Vietnamese culture is reflected in the name of the snake, 'xa'. Snakes are revered in the history and culture of Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam, with a very sacred role. Dragons and snakes are also closely linked in Vietnamese culture, reflecting the importance of this animal in the national heritage."
Historian Le Van Lan shares his thoughts on the image of the snake in Vietnamese culture.
The image of the snake is recreated through many works and applied art products being published for the first time. These snake-themed products utilize a variety of materials, from traditional to modern, and employ advanced techniques with the participation of highly skilled engineers and technicians. The exhibition also showcases works by young artists, designers, and researchers who are following in the footsteps of their predecessors, inheriting and developing the heritage, and working together to spread it to the contemporary era, contributing to the advancement of the cultural industry in the nation's current era of progress.
Translator and artist Trinh Lu believes that each zodiac animal not only carries spiritual significance but also contains the stories, emotions, and hopes of the Vietnamese people for the new year.
Discussing the creative inspiration behind "Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds," translator and artist Trinh Lu said: "From ancient times to the present day, during the Lunar New Year, artists enthusiastically paint and create works based on the 12 zodiac animals. This is not only a distinctive cultural tradition but also a way for us to preserve and convey very Vietnamese and very human values expressed through each artwork. Each zodiac animal not only carries spiritual significance but also contains the story, emotions, and hopes of Vietnamese people for the new year. This shows that art still maintains a connection between humans and nature, far removed from the trend of industrialization or commercialization."
Beyond simply celebrating heritage, the exhibition also showcases the works of young artists and designers who are continuing the legacy of previous generations in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. This also strongly affirms the role of art and culture in fostering Vietnam's creative industry in the new era.
Artist and designer Le Huy Van (on the right) - the creator of the legendary Hanoi draft beer mug.
Visitor Ngoc Son (27 years old, Hanoi) shared: “The exhibition is meticulously invested in with works that embody the spirit of the Year of the Snake. I was impressed by the exquisite wine bottles and artwork. Immersing myself in the art space, close to the zodiac animals, made me love Vietnamese culture even more and admire the talent of Vietnamese artists. This place brings not only young people but also all of us a new meaning and inspiration for the upcoming Year of the Snake.”
Ngoc Son impressed with its exquisite wine bottles and artwork.
"My Zodiac Animal" is an annual project implemented by the Heritage Club during the Lunar New Year. The exhibited works always contain traditional messages, are rich in materials, yet still possess a contemporary artistic flair. This event commemorates the 7th anniversary of the project, honoring the symbolic animals of the traditional Lunar New Year.
The "Dragon and Snake Ascending to the Clouds" exhibition is not just a simple art event, but also an affirmation of the value of Vietnamese traditional culture. Through diverse and creative artworks, the exhibition has evoked in the public a love for the national cultural heritage and pride in Vietnam's talented artists.
"My Zodiac Sign" is an annual project implemented by the Heritage Club during the Lunar New Year season.
