"For a Victorious Vietnam" - an exhibition for children.

"For a Victorious Vietnam" is a painting and literary writing competition that took place from August 8, 2021, for children who have been diagnosed with or are currently being treated for cancer, serious illnesses, Agent Orange exposure, disabilities, autism, and orphans.

After two months of organization, the competition attracted 2,300 entries from over 1,000 contestants from 45 provinces and cities nationwide. Among them were many ethnic minority students from remote provinces and cities such as Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Gia Lai…

Twenty-five outstanding works (including 200 paintings and 50 handwritten letters) are currently on display at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. These works were all selected by a panel of experts. Each brushstroke, poem, and piece of writing not only expresses the children's feelings for those on the front lines of the pandemic, but also reflects the optimism and resilience of disadvantaged children across the country. Many children painted after completing chemotherapy, their bodies still aching. Others, trapped in hospitals, painted to ease their longing for family and school. Some are autistic children whose only companions are colored pencils.

"Right on the opening morning of the exhibition, there was a moment that we particularly remember. A grandmother came with her granddaughter to attend because her granddaughter's artwork was on display. Perhaps having just gone through a long period of treatment for her granddaughter, and now seeing her granddaughter's painting here, the grandmother immediately couldn't hold back her tears and burst into crying," recounted journalist Nguyen Xuan Tu, a member of the organizing committee.

The artworks were sold for 500,000 VND, 5 million VND, and 10 million VND. All proceeds will be donated to the Hope Fund - VnExpress newspaper to support child cancer patients and disadvantaged children.

In addition, the organizers have designed a 360-degree virtual exhibition showcasing 250 outstanding works on the website.vimotvietnamtatthang.vnAlternatively, visit the competition information page (Virtual Exhibition section). Simulating the space of a gallery, the virtual exhibition allows viewers to easily admire the students' works with just a few simple taps on their smartphones or computers. By clicking on each artwork, viewers can see a close-up view and learn full information about the artist, the concept, and the circumstances surrounding its creation…

Notably, accompanying the contestants in this competition is singer Ha Anh Tuan - ambassador and also a member of the judging panel. He said: “Covid-19 will pass, but we will be left with many other problems to solve. More than ever, we need strong stem cells to regenerate and regain our intense life energy. For Ha Anh Tuan, children are the stem cells of society. Especially with child cancer patients and children suffering from incurable diseases, we feel the flame of their desire to live burning brighter than ever. The greatest strength within each of us lies in our desire to live, for ourselves and for others. And in children, that desire is very simple, innocent, and sincere. Like the scribbles of the children in this competition. I don't think we adults will judge which painting is good or bad. Most importantly, we will understand the beautiful, kind, and intense dreams of the children. The problem doesn't lie in the world of childhood; it lies in the world of us adults.”

The exhibition will take place from November 18th to 22nd, 2021 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi). Following this exhibition, the "For a Victorious Vietnam" program plans to hold a closing gala and awards ceremony in Hanoi and continue to display the artworks abroad.

Lam Oanh