"Thanh Tan Hanoi" - a bridge between contemporary art and heritage

On November 2, in Hanoi, the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature in coordination with relevant units organized the opening ceremony of the painting exhibition "Thanh Tan Hanoi".

The event is part of a series of activities of the Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2025 taking place at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam.

Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam spoke at the opening ceremony

Inspired by the spirit of "thanh" - clear, pure and "tan" - new, bright, the exhibition "Thanh Tan Hanoi" brings youthful, creative perspectives on Hanoi past and present through the lens of young artists.

The exhibition features over 90 paintings by professional and amateur artists. Each painting is a slice of Hanoi – both familiar and new; both nostalgic and full of life.

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the exhibition

The exhibition includes three main themes: Heritage & Architecture - reflecting the ancient beauty of the streets, temples, Long Bien Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake...; Contemporary life - recording the vibrant life and creative energy of the young generation; Open creative space - where folk art is revived with bamboo, do paper, coconut leaves, wood...

The exhibition "Hanoi Thanh Tan" is designed as an art village in the heart of heritage, with bamboo frames, ropes, dragonflies...

In particular, "Thanh Tan Hanoi" is designed as an art village in the heart of the heritage, with bamboo frames, ropes, dragonflies, carp, grasshoppers and pandan leaves interwoven with paintings, creating a close-knit folk atmosphere. Visitors can directly participate in workshops, print paintings, or chat with artists.

Exhibition space for works

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Le Xuan Kieu shared: "We are always wondering how to connect the young generation with thousands of years of cultural sediments in an inspiring way. The exhibition "Thanh Tan Hanoi" is our creative effort, when contemporary art is placed in the heritage space of Van Lake, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. The youthful and fresh paintings have contributed to enlivening the relic space, breathing new life into the Van Lake area, turning this place into a meeting place of creativity and cultural inspiration in the heart of the capital."

Some works on display at the exhibition

As the co-organizer, Ms. Thuy Anh - Representative of Nhau Studio shared: "We hope that every young person who comes here will see that Hanoi is not distant, not old - but is growing up with their own emotions and creativity."

Visitors experience creative activities at the exhibition

Within the framework of the exhibition, there are also a series of creative activities such as: Idea matching - color printing (art printing from lego); Color painting on conical hat brim; Painting mountains and rivers (wood carving on do paper); Transforming trees and leaves (creating animal shapes from bamboo and coconut leaves); Golden imprint (painting and gilding on art paper); Negative sketching (white ink drawing on black background)... These activities help viewers touch, do, and live with art - bringing painting out of the frame, closer to everyday life.

The exhibition attracted a large number of visitors.

The organizers hope that the exhibition will become a bridge between contemporary art and heritage, spreading the love for Hanoi, encouraging new creativity based on tradition, and contributing to affirming Hanoi as a creative city - where heritage is still alive in the modern rhythm../.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/ha-noi-thanh-tan-cau-noi-giua-nghe-thuat-duong-dai-va-di-san-20251102105147868.htm