Come to Ho Chi Minh City National University, see Tuong Binh Hiep lacquer exhibition

Đến Đại học Quốc gia TP.HCM, xem triển lãm sơn mài Tương Bình Hiệp - Ảnh 1. — Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City National University (center) and artisans from the Ho Chi Minh City Lacquer and Sculpture Association and the Information Center, Library, Museum and Faculty of Cultural Studies cut the ribbon to open the event - Photo: Organizing Committee

The exhibition is organized by the Information Center, Library and Museum in collaboration with the Faculty of Cultural Studies and the Ho Chi Minh City Lacquer and Sculpture Association at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City National University.

The event aims to honor the value of traditional lacquer art, while inspiring the spirit of preserving cultural heritage in the academic community and young people.

Lacquer - a heritage forged over 300 years

The exhibition "Lacquer Art - Connecting Vietnamese Heritage" introduces typical lacquer works of the traditional craft village of Tuong Binh Hiep, selected by the Ho Chi Minh City Lacquer - Sculpture Association.

The exhibition introduces 123 artifacts, including 107 artifacts from painters, artisans and workshops of the Ho Chi Minh City Lacquer - Sculpture Association, and 16 artifacts from school lecturers and collectors.

At the same time, it creates opportunities for lecturers, students and the public to learn about the techniques, history and development of the craft village, while expanding the connection between the school and the artisan community.

The selection criteria for works aim for diversity, from traditional lacquer paintings and products, collectibles to applied products.

The exhibition hopes that students can identify the development process of lacquer craft through many periods: from techniques, colors to forms of expression to better understand how a heritage is preserved, conserved and adapted to the needs of the contemporary market.

Đến Đại học Quốc gia TP.HCM, xem triển lãm sơn mài Tương Bình Hiệp - Ảnh 2. — In her opening speech, Dr. Bui Thu Hang, Director of the Information Center, Library and Museum, emphasized that the exhibition both honors traditional lacquer art and introduces the role of this heritage in modern life - Photo: Organizing Committee

sơn mài - Ảnh 3. — Artisan Le Ba Linh shares with Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan and students about some products made from lacquer paintings - Photo: Organizing Committee

Sharing with Tuoi Tre Online , Meritorious Artisan Le Ba Linh, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Lacquer and Sculpture Association, said the exhibition has a more special meaning as it takes place on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day.

He reiterated: "Tuong Binh Hiep lacquerware has been included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism since 2016. The exhibition is an opportunity for students to grasp that heritage, understand more about a profession that has existed for more than 300 years and has continued through many generations."

However, he believes in the return of traditional values in the current trend of green and circular production: "When returning to organic materials, traditional lacquer methods will have a new place. The important thing is to find a commercial direction to create an economy , from which sustainable conservation can be achieved."

sơn mài - Ảnh 4. — Students have the opportunity to visit lacquer works at the exhibition - Photo: Organizing Committee

Artisan Le Ba Linh also emphasized the support from the State in providing financial support, creating conditions for artisans to maintain their profession and creativity.

Preserving traditional lacquer in a modern context also poses many challenges. A shrinking market, a decrease in the number of artisans and especially a “lack of generational transition” puts the craft at risk of being interrupted.

This exhibition is not only an opportunity for viewers to admire the beauty of lacquer, but also a bridge between artisans and the young generation.

sơn mài - Ảnh 5. — Abalone shells on display, the shells are used to create mother-of-pearl inlay effects or sparkling "Nine Conch" effects on lacquer paintings - Photo: MAI NGUYET

Through exchange activities, conversations and sharing of professional stories, students have the opportunity to directly access heritage and better understand the work journey of those who preserve the unique cultural features of Vietnam.

With a combination of artworks, historical artifacts and authentic craft stories, "Lacquer Art - Connecting Vietnamese Heritage" is not only an exhibition, but also a reminder of the responsibility to preserve cultural heritage in the modern educational and living environment.

The exhibition is a testament to the efforts to connect schools, artisans and the community, opening up sustainable cooperation directions for preserving and promoting the traditional lacquer craft.