Opening of Lacquer Painting Exhibition “Independence Spring” at Ho Chi Minh Museum

On the afternoon of August 18, at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hanoi, the Central Propaganda and Education Commission in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) held the opening ceremony of the large-scale lacquer painting exhibition “Independence Spring” by young artist Chu Nhat Quang. This is a meaningful and practical event to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025).

Việt Nam•18/08/2025

Panorama of the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

Delegates attend the opening ceremony of the "Independence Spring" Exhibition. Photo: BTHCM

Some performances at the Opening Ceremony. Photo: BTHCM

Some performances at the Opening Ceremony. Photo: BTHCM

Some performances at the Opening Ceremony. Photo: BTHCM

The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Exhibition were attended by comrades: Comrade Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission; Comrade Ngo Dong Hai, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission; Comrade Dinh Thi Mai, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission; Comrade Tran Thanh Lam, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission; Comrade Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dr. Vu Manh Ha, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Also attending were representatives of the leaders of the Departments and units of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; leaders of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, the Vietnam Writers Association; ambassadors, consulates and foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam; leaders of the Vietcom Group; author of the lacquer painting series "Independence Spring".

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Dr. Vu Manh Ha, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum emphasized: “This is a special and meaningful artistic activity. For the first time, a large-scale lacquer painting series with 17 elaborately composed works vividly recreating historical stages, glorious victories of the nation and unique images of beloved President Ho Chi Minh by a young artist, has been introduced to a wide audience across the country.”

Dr. Vu Manh Ha, Director of Ho Chi Minh Museum, delivered the opening speech of the exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the "Independence Spring" Exhibition. Photo: BTHCM

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the "Independence Spring" Exhibition. Photo: BTHCM

Delegates take souvenir photos at the "Independence Spring" Exhibition. Photo: BTHCM

With the theme “Independence Spring”, the exhibition introduces 17 large-scale lacquer paintings by artist Chu Nhat Quang, vividly recreating the image of President Ho Chi Minh with his aspiration for independence, freedom, peace and development along with the heroic historical journeys and glorious victories of the nation. The works are expressed in the traditional lacquer language, harmoniously combined with contemporary art elements, creating a unique creative mark. Some typical works include: "Uncle Ho", "Nguyen Ai Quoc", "Vietnam is most beautiful with the name of Uncle Ho", "Peaceful Country"... The works of artist Chu Nhat Quang at the exhibition "Independence Spring" are highly appreciated by experts and famous artists, not only for their sophisticated lacquer techniques but also for their ability to deeply convey historical, cultural and national spiritual values.

Delegates perform the unveiling ceremony of the lacquer painting "Uncle Ho". Photo: BTHCM

Delegates perform the unveiling ceremony of the lacquer painting "Uncle Ho". Photo: BTHCM

Delegates take souvenir photos. Photo: BTHCM

Lacquer painting "Uncle Ho" at the "Independence Spring" Exhibition. Photo: BTHCM

Lacquer painting “Nguyen Ai Quoc” at the Exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

Lacquer painting “The most beautiful Vietnam has Uncle Ho’s name” at the exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

Lacquer painting “Peaceful Country” at the Exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

The highlight of the exhibition is the largest lacquer painting, measuring 7.2 meters long and 2.4 meters high. One side of the work depicts the theme “Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence”, recreating the sacred historical moment when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, opening a new era for the nation. The other side carries the theme “National Spring”, symbolizing the burning desire for independence, freedom, peace and happiness of the Vietnamese people.

The front of the work “Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence”. Photo: BTHCM

The front of the work "National Spring". Photo: BTHCM

Delegates take souvenir photos. Photo: BTHCM

Painter Chu Nhat Quang, born in 1995, comes from an artistic family, graduated in the US and Australia, is a typical face of the young generation of painters attached to lacquer art. The author has successfully organized the Exhibition "Sacred Mark" (2024) at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This series of lacquer paintings Independence Spring demonstrates modern visual thinking, bringing a strong visual experience, while conveying patriotic, humane emotions and admiration for President Ho Chi Minh.

Film introducing artist Chu Nhat Quang and the exhibition "Independence Spring". Photo: BTHCM

Delegates visit the Exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

Delegates visit the Exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

Delegates visit the Exhibition “Independence Spring”. Photo: BTHCM

“Independence Spring” is not only an art exhibition, it is also a journey to bring Vietnamese lacquer art closer to the public, especially the young generation. The exhibition contributes to igniting the spirit of patriotism, arousing national pride and looking back at the country’s important historical events. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to honor the value of traditional art, affirming the enduring vitality and endless creativity of young artists in the new era.