Come to Ba Den Mountain to find peace with the painting exhibition "Returning to Enlightenment"

Painting of Maitreya Bodhisattva statue at Ba Den mountain. Painting: Hoang Phong

“Ve Ngo” includes 45 paintings on the theme of Temples and Pagodas by artist Hoang Phong – member of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, member of the International Watercolor Society IWWS 2015, and a talented young artist pursuing the realistic painting school. Inspired by Buddhism but very close to Vietnamese cultural beliefs, “Ve Ngo” conveys the message of wisdom, compassion, enlightenment to seek true happiness.

Exhibition space for paintings “Ve Ngo” on top of Ba Den Mountain. Photo: Sun World Ba Den Mountain

The painting series "Returning to Enlightenment" will be exhibited at Ba Den Mountain from April 25, 2025, aiming at the United Nations Vesak 2025. With many meaningful spiritual activities on this occasion such as the procession of Buddha's relics from India, the ceremony of planting 108 Bodhi trees from Bodh Gaya, the candle lighting ceremony to pray for world peace, Ba Den Mountain is becoming a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and tourists both domestically and internationally.

Explaining the name of the series of paintings, artist Hoang Phong said that in Buddhist culture, “Enlightenment” is awakening, thorough understanding, and realization of the truth. “Enlightenment” is escaping from the state of ignorance, an important goal on the path of cultivation. “Returning” is finding, returning, and belonging. Therefore, the series of paintings is the artist’s journey to return to reflect on his inner self, to clearly see his true self, to seek enlightenment to reach peace of mind.

Fansipan painting (Sa Pa). Painting: Hoang Phong

With 45 paintings, art lovers can see familiar temples and pagodas across the country such as Ba Pagoda (Ba Den Mountain), Dau Pagoda (Bac Ninh), Dong Pagoda (Yen Tu), Keo Pagoda (Thai Binh), Huong Pagoda ( Hanoi ), But Thap Pagoda (Bac Ninh), Ba Kieu Temple, Tay Ho Palace (Hanoi)...

The ancient, poetic, and quiet beauty of the pagodas is depicted by artist Hoang Phong in an extremely realistic and vivid way, as if it is present before your eyes, yet a bit hazy, vague, and difficult to grasp. Every detail in the paintings is described with great meticulousness, where you can feel the artist's brush and mind almost reaching a state of meditation. With the realistic method, the technique of painting with natural water colors ground from minerals on French Arches paper, the strokes further increase the authenticity of the paintings.

Painting of the Lantern Offering Ceremony at Ba Den Mountain. Painting: Hoang Phong

For artist Hoang Phong, these paintings are a journey to find peace and find himself after past traumas. “When I went to pagodas and temples to contemplate the familiar teachings that Buddha taught, I gradually became fascinated by spiritual architectural works. The series of paintings was born by chance, and I also hope that everyone who sees these paintings will also find peace and tranquility.”

According to the artist, the plan to paint a series of paintings on the theme of Vietnamese temples and pagodas has been cherished for a long time. However, this plan was only really promoted and realized after a visit to Ba Den Mountain ( Tay Ninh ) more than a year ago. The sacred, majestic beauty, energy and sacred rituals at Ba Den Mountain inspired the artist to paint this series of paintings.

Linh Son Holy Mother Temple at Ba Den Mountain. Painting: Hoang Phong

Therefore, viewers can see in “Ve Ngo” many paintings depicting spiritual structures bearing the soul of the highest mountain in the South such as Ba Pagoda, the image of Linh Son Thanh Mau (Ba Den), the statue of Buddha Ba Tay Bo Da Son, the statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva, and the grand ceremony of offering lanterns on top of Ba Den Mountain.

“I am extremely honored that the painting exhibition is held on the occasion of Ba Den Mountain welcoming the delegation of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. I hope that the exhibition will not only be an art project for visitors to explore the depth of Buddhist culture, but also to gather together on the sacred mountain, admire Buddhist paintings and feel the positive energy of the global Buddhist festival,” said the artist.

Painting of Tran Quoc Pagoda (Hanoi). Painting: Hoang Phong

“Ve Ngo” also includes many still life paintings, depicting the beauty of peach blossoms, sunflowers, rose branches, especially lotus flowers. According to the artist, each flower branch has natural beauty and Buddha nature. In particular, lotus flowers are a symbol of Buddhism, with pure beauty, symbolizing the noble qualities of human beings.

“Looking at a flower helps us understand the impermanence that Buddha spoke of. Knowing that the flower is here today and gone tomorrow will help us live mindfully in each present moment,” the artist shared.

At Ba Den Mountain, artist Hoang Phong is also displaying a series of paintings called “Children's Song Memories” consisting of 34 paintings combining Japanese culture and Vietnamese folk culture.

The paintings recreate the beauty of Japanese folk culture such as Samurai, Sumo, Yokai, Geisha, Noh drama, carp, lucky cat, Kitsune... The series also depicts a peaceful Vietnam with Turtle Tower, Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Ba Mountain cable car, along with lion and dragon dances, carp, or meditation space... that have created the simple lifestyle of Vietnamese people.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/den-nui-ba-den-tim-binh-yen-voi-trien-lam-tranh-ve-ngo-post793130.html