A meeting point between contemporary art and the essence of Vietnamese agarwood.

On the evening of October 10th, at the Front Hall of the Temple of Literature - National University, the "Colors of the Heart" exhibition officially opened, marking a meeting between contemporary lacquer art and traditional Vietnamese incense.

The event is organized by Nguyen Art Gallery in collaboration with Tram Tue from October 10-22, 2025.

In the sacred space of the Temple of Literature - National University, a symbol of the nation's culture and love of learning, "The Essence of the Heart" offers the public a unique experience, where the beauty of painting and the fragrance of incense intertwine, evoking tranquility and guiding people back to their inner selves.

Opening the exhibition, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center, said that the "Colors of the Heart" exhibition was organized with the desire for Vietnamese culture to become increasingly vibrant, continuing the cultural flow from the past, present to the future - as a source of spiritual nourishment for the Vietnamese people.

He hopes the exhibition will provide strong inspiration to the public when visiting the Temple of Literature - National University, and at the same time, initiate a journey of connection and dialogue between lacquerware and agarwood - two quintessential Vietnamese cultural treasures, contributing to creating joy and inspiration in spiritual life.

Artisans demonstrate the art of carving agarwood at the exhibition. (Photo: Tuyet Mai/VNA)

The exhibition brings together 14 renowned lacquer painters and artists, including Trieu Khac Tien, Do Khai, Luong Duy, Trinh Que Anh, Le Khanh Hieu, Ngo Ba Cong, Dang Hien, Nguyen Van Nghia, Nguyen Hong Giang, Ngo Tuan Anh, Tran Tien Thanh, Nguyen Luong Huyen, Nguyen Tuan Cuong, and Le Xuan Huong. Each artist brings their own unique story through lacquer – a traditional medium, but reinterpreted with a contemporary creative touch.

The exhibited works showcase a diverse range of styles, from abstract to realistic, from delicate to bold, creating a harmonious whole that reflects the depth of Vietnamese lacquer art in the contemporary context.

Mr. Le Xuan Huong, owner of Nguyen Art Gallery, shared about his artwork "Hung Vuong Chessboard," which he designed and handcrafted from wood with a gold-plated copper base – as a small tribute to the nation's origins and the Vietnamese spirit of creativity.

According to him, familiar images in folk songs and proverbs such as "Red lacquer and gold leaf," "Red mansion and purple pavilion," or "Lacquer eats every face, ghosts seize every person" all evoke lacquer—a material deeply intertwined with Vietnamese culture and aesthetics for centuries.

Artist Do Duc Khai, creator of the lacquer painting on wood "White Crane and Lotus". (Photo: Tuyet Mai/VNA)

The "Colors of the Heart" exhibition is therefore not only a place to display art, but also an emotional journey, where Vietnamese art, culture, and soul meet in peace and spread their influence.

According to artist Do Duc Khai, the creator of the lacquer painting on wood "White Crane and Lotus," the "Colors of the Heart" exhibition brings a fresh, colorful breeze to the sacred space of the Temple of Literature - National University, aiming towards the true, good, and beautiful values of the Vietnamese people.

He shared: “Everyone who comes to the exhibition will feel a sense of peace and be immersed in the harmonious blend of colors and fragrances. The two works I've brought this time express my desire to convey the spirit and beauty of life through the image of the lotus flower – a symbol of purity and nobility.”

Alongside its artistic endeavors, Tram Tue introduces a collection of high-end and premium agarwood products, marking the brand's 9-year journey of formation and development.

The unique and rare landscape paintings, along with the two jewelry sets "Hanoi's Elegant Street Colors in Jade Form" and "Thang Long's Exquisite Beauty," are one-of-a-kind designs, subtly combining rare materials and exquisite craftsmanship. These pieces are being showcased for the first time in the Temple of Literature, offering a fusion of handcrafted excellence and cultural depth.

According to Mr. Hoang Xuan Huong, Chairman of Tram Tue, the products displayed at the exhibition are the brand's latest creations, reflecting the spirit of connection between people and nature, between tradition and modernity.

He believes that each agarwood product not only possesses artistic value but also contributes to creating a pure, meditative, and emotionally rich viewing space.

The "Colors of the Heart" exhibition not only showcases the unique aesthetic values of Vietnamese art, but also sends a message to the public: pause amidst the hurried pace of life to listen to the call of culture and the soul, and find peace in the enduring values of the nation.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cuoc-gap-go-giua-my-thuat-duong-dai-va-tinh-hoa-tram-huong-viet-post1069584.vnp