To commemorate the 950th anniversary of the Temple of Literature (1076-2026), an exhibition organized by Nhau Studio in collaboration with the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center and the International Watercolor Society in Vietnam - Northern Branch, brings together more than 40 works by 22 young artists. Each work is a unique glimpse into the learning journey, but when placed together, they form a larger picture of the enduring tradition of valuing knowledge that has flowed through Vietnamese life for centuries.
Among them, the work "Scholars and Scholars" by Tran Vinh stands out. Using a richly symbolic artistic language, the artist guides viewers through the journey of knowledge-seeking figures of the nation. From the light of fireflies in eggshells, reminiscent of the impoverished but resilient childhood of the scholar Mac Dinh Chi, to the image of Teacher Chu Van An—a model teacher of Vietnamese scholarship—or President Ho Chi Minh quietly engrossed in his books, embodying the spirit of lifelong self-learning. Birds and letters appear throughout the work like invisible threads connecting generations, creating an endless flow of knowledge and character.
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| A view of the "Drawing Lucky Cards for Exam Candidates 2026" Workshop, within the framework of the "Exam Candidates 3 - Stories of Exam Candidates" art exhibition. |
While "Scholars and Scholars" tells the story of famous figures, Nguyen Ngoc Linh's "Children in the Family" takes viewers back to more familiar values. Within the family setting, from young children to adults, everyone is depicted on the pages. Without images of academic achievements or triumphant returns, the work emphasizes the spirit of learning nurtured within each home, passed down from generation to generation as a cultural way of life.
Nguyen Ngoc Linh, co-founder of Nhau Studio, shared: "Each person has their own unique learning story, but when placed together, they create a larger picture of the essence of Vietnamese scholarship."
Meanwhile, Nguyen Thuy Anh's "Khue Van Pavilion in Transition" impresses with its image of Khue Van Pavilion in a solemn red hue. In the past, this was the space where scholars who passed the imperial examinations debated literature. Today, alongside this ancient architecture, we see the image of students of the new era. Two separate periods of time meet in the aspiration for learning and the veneration of knowledge. The work honors the past while affirming the vitality of the tradition of studiousness in contemporary life.
Notably, the area that attracts the most attention is the "Garden of Scholars" installation. Created from traditional Vietnamese dó paper, conical hats, bamboo and rattan lanterns, and other traditional craft materials, the installation resembles a garden of memories reflecting the learning journey of the Vietnamese people. Nearly 950 stories, written on vibrant red scholar flowers, recount noble efforts in learning. From the story of a student cycling dozens of kilometers to school every day; to teachers quietly keeping the flame of their profession alive; to young people persevering through pressure to pursue their dreams, each story is a testament to the precious spirit of lifelong learning in our nation.
Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center, shared: “We hope that this event will contribute to strongly spreading the spirit of studiousness in society, and at the same time help Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam become more accessible to the public, especially young people today.”
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/cham-vao-dong-chay-hieu-hoc-ngan-nam-1044600
