INNER STATES – A flower exhibition and a journey of self-reflection

Each piece here is a meticulous combination of color, texture, and form, reflecting the refined aesthetic sense and dedication of the floral artist. More than just a showroom, this space is designed as a "living gallery"—a place where art breathes, is felt, and connects with the soul of the viewer.

With "INNER STATES - A Journey of Inner Feelings," it's not just a display of flowers, but an invitation for viewers to embark on a slow and contemplative journey. Each artwork tells a story that may be unclear or incomplete, but is nonetheless deeply moving and authentic.

"I hope everyone will take the time to pause and reflect on things that cannot be said – moments of silence that contain more than words can express. The beauty of restraint, the power of holding back what is important before letting it blossom…" – shared Linh Huong, founder of Linhhuong Floral Design.

The exhibition space is like a tranquil haven, where viewers can detach themselves from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and listen to the subtle movements within themselves. The theme, "Inner Journey," doesn't aim for abstract, lofty concepts, but focuses on universal emotions that are rarely named: an inexplicable sadness, a fleeting joy, a peaceful ending, or simply things one wants to say but doesn't know where to begin.

Flowers, already soft and expressive, become even more intimate and sincere when combined with emotionally charged visual language. Without ostentation or explanation, the petals in "INNER STATES" seem to whisper to the viewer through the very voice of emotion.

Here, floral art is not just about form but also about sensuality. The gentle transition between pale yellow, soft pink, milky white tones... along with the rhythmic arrangement of the composition, creates the feeling of a vibrant moment "frozen" in time.

Viewers can recognize the very real emotions present in each arrangement. Sometimes it's a cluster of flowers bursting into vibrant bloom, like a fleeting moment of happiness – quick to arrive, quick to depart, leaving a bright streak in the mind. Pale yellows, soft pinks, and milky whites blend together like sunlight filtering through leaves, stirring the heart – not for any obvious reason, but simply because it's beautiful and vibrant, just like the joy that was once experienced.

At times, one's steps halt before a corner of flowers in smoky purple, silvery gray, and deep blue. There, the petals are not in full bloom but curled up, as if whispering something unspoken. This feeling reminds the viewer of times when they couldn't name their own sadness, when their hearts were full but their words had run dry.

And then, there are works that evoke the feeling of a non-sad ending, gentle like a door softly closing. Dry branches intertwine with young leaves, beige, sage green, and pastel colors blend together, as if telling of a peaceful letting go – not out of helplessness, but because it's time to move on. That ending isn't painful, just a comforting reminder: sometimes letting go is the best way to begin a new journey.

A particular highlight of the exhibition is the vaulted structure within the installation space. The vault evokes a sense of enclosure, like a cocoon protecting fragile emotions. This is not about concealment, but rather a way to preserve emotions, like flowers that wither if exposed too much, but bloom at the right time if properly cared for.

The vaulted space also evokes the concept of a "home for the soul"—a place where each person can return, listen to themselves, accept their imperfections, and continue their journey with greater understanding and compassion.

"Things that cannot yet be named, waiting to be understood, rather than spoken" - the exhibition's theme, not only serves as a guiding principle for the artworks but also as a message to all those navigating the dark corners of their souls: there's no need to name everything. Simply listening to and understanding oneself is already an artistic journey.

“INNER STATES – A Journey of Inner Self” is not just a flower exhibition, but an invitation to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on ourselves. In a noisy and fast-paced world where every emotion is rushed to be concise, clear, and reasoned, this exhibition is a gentle whisper: Emotions don’t need to be rational; you just need to dare to feel them and dare to hold onto them as a true part of yourself.

The exhibition “INNER STATES - A Journey of the Inner Self” will take place from June 12th to July 12th, 2025 at 55 Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Text and photos: Hoang Anh