The image of the Snake during the traditional Tet holiday and "Dragon and Snake in the Clouds"

With hundreds of diverse artworks from paintings, sculptures to virtual reality, the exhibition "Dragon and Snake in the Clouds" brings to the art-loving public a creative space where tradition and modernity blend together with the participation of talented artists and designers.

Related articles

"Time" - The play of materials between contemporary sculpture and painting

Colors of Vietnamese culture at the exhibition "GO & RETURN, GO"

In the atmosphere of welcoming the spring of At Ty 2025, the Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter cooperated with the Magazine of Past and Present, Heritage Association and artists, painters, designers, and researchers to organize the exhibition "Dragon and Snake in the Clouds" at the Center for Culture and Arts (22 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi).

This is an exhibition introducing and displaying works that recreate the 7-year journey of the project "My Zodiac" through art, applied art products that have contributed to creating an annual activity to honor the image of the year's typical mascot nationwide every time Tet comes.

"Dragon and Snake in the Clouds" displays and introduces the image of the snake - the symbol of the year 2025, through diverse expressive languages ​​from painting, graphics, sculpture, ceramic art, applied art, installation art, VR3D virtual reality technology, and a special discussion by prestigious researchers to highlight the image of the snake through many perspectives, from everyday life, folk art to the important role of becoming gods in Mother Goddess worship.

The representative of the organizing committee, Mr. Tran Thanh Tung, shared with Travellive: "The project 'My Zodiac' has been going on for 7 years and this year the location was chosen at Hang Buom Heritage Assembly Hall because it is associated with the theme story 'Dragon and Snake in the Clouds'. The old town is very rich in cultural heritage, with 7 outstanding heritages within a radius of less than 500 m, which is also the meaning of this 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 is about yin. The story of the Vietnamese people always aims for the balance between the five elements of yin and yang. Interestingly, the image of the snake is also included in the Mother Goddess worship, especially in the Four Palaces belief."

Discussing the image of Ty in culture, historian Le Van Lan affirmed: “The difference with Chinese language and Vietnamese culture is shown in the name of snake 'xa'. Snakes are honored in Southeast Asian history and culture, 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”.

The image of the snake is recreated through many works and applied art products that are published for the first time, many snake products with diverse materials from traditional to modern, many advanced technical techniques with the participation of a team of highly qualified engineers and technicians. The exhibition also introduces the works of young artists, designers, and researchers who are following in the footsteps of their predecessors in inheriting and promoting, joining hands to spread the heritage, with the aim of bringing the heritage to the contemporary, contributing to promoting the cultural industry in the era of national development.

Discussing the creative inspiration for “Dragon Snake Up in the Clouds”, translator - artist Trinh Lu said: “From ancient times until now, every time Tet comes, artists are passionate about drawing and creating on the theme of the 12 zodiac animals. Not only is it a cultural characteristic, but this is also a way for us to preserve and convey very Vietnamese and very human values ​​expressed through each work. Each zodiac animal not only has spiritual meaning but also contains the story, emotions and hopes of Vietnamese people in the new year. This shows that art still maintains the connection between people and nature, far from the trend of industrialization or commercialization”.

Not only does the exhibition honor heritage, it also showcases the works of young artists and designers who are following in the footsteps of previous generations in the journey of preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage. This is also a strong affirmation of the role of art and culture in promoting Vietnam’s creative industry in the new era.

Tourist Ngoc Son (27 years old, Hanoi) shared: “The exhibition is meticulously invested with works imbued with the spirit of the year of At Ty. I was impressed by the sophisticated wine bottles and artworks. Immersing myself in the artistic space close to the zodiac mascots makes me love culture more and admire the talent of Vietnamese artists. This place brings not only to the youth but also to all of us a new meaning and inspiration for the upcoming year of At Ty”.

“My Zodiac” is an annual project implemented by Hoi Quan Di San during the Lunar New Year. The exhibited works always contain traditional messages, are rich in materials but still have a breath of contemporary art. This is the 7th anniversary of the project, honoring the symbolic mascots of the traditional New Year.

The exhibition "Dragon and Snake in the Clouds" is not only a simple art event but also an affirmation of the value of traditional Vietnamese culture. Through diverse and creative works of art, the exhibition has inspired in the public a love for the national cultural heritage and pride in talented Vietnamese artists.

Phuong Thao is the Editor of Travellive Magazine. She is passionate about traveling and loves to capture moments with her camera in every land she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are her favorite writing topics.

Article and photos: Phuong Thao