Art connects Vietnam and Poland on a 75-year journey together

This event marks the conclusion of a series of activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Poland (1950-2025).

Attending the event were Polish Ambassador Joanna Skoczek; Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Artistic Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám; Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; representatives from various ministries and agencies, along with a large number of Vietnamese and Polish diplomats and students.

Nghệ thuật gắn kết Việt Nam-Ba Lan trong hành trình 75 năm qua

Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Joanna Skoczek emphasized that the exhibition "Identity Formed" is an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing friendship and the artistic and intellectual values that the two countries have preserved for more than seven decades. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

In her opening remarks at the exhibition, the Polish Ambassador to Vietnam, Joanna Skoczek, expressed her honor to host the event at one of Vietnam's most iconic cultural sites, a place that has repeatedly been a partner in Vietnamese-Polish cultural exchange activities over the years.

Ms. Skoczek emphasized that this is an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing friendship and the artistic and intellectual values that the two countries have preserved for more than seven decades.

Ambassador Skoczek also affirmed that, throughout the anniversary year, the Embassy had collaborated with many partners in Vietnam and Poland to implement cultural, educational, economic , and artistic activities; from a Polish literature week with nearly 120 books translated into Vietnamese to community art programs.

The exhibition "Identity Formation" is showcasing over 200 watercolors created by artist Minh Đàm over the past 20 years, which also represents 20 years of his inner journey of constantly questioning, searching for, and forming a blended Vietnamese-Polish identity.

Expressing his emotion at the personal story of artist Minh Đàm — forged from experiences traveling between Vietnam and Poland — the Polish diplomat stated that the theme "Identity Formation" demonstrates that identity does not fade when a person lives in two cultures; on the contrary, it becomes richer and deeper.

Artist Minh Đàm holds dual Vietnamese and Polish citizenship. (Photo: Ngọc Anh)

For his part, artist Minh Đàm shared that this exhibition is the biggest personal project in his career, following his first exhibitions "Three Continents," "Searching for Identity," and "Poland - Wonders," which were previously presented at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

“Born in Vietnam and raised in Poland, I carry within me two sets of memories, two aesthetics, two ways of seeing the world… There are times when I feel divided. But I gradually realized: Identity is not a destination, but a journey; it is not something given to you, but something you create through experience,” the artist shared.

For artist Minh Đàm, his story is also the story of many people from different cultures, people who are creating their personal identities in an increasingly interconnected and multi-layered world.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Artistic Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, commented that the works of painter Minh Dam create a subtle dialogue between the past and the present, between Vietnamese art and the international art scene. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Speaking on behalf of the co-organizing unit, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Artistic Activities Center, emphasized that the exhibition taking place in this very space, which preserves academic values and the national spirit, holds special significance.

The choice of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam reflects the young artist's desire to bring art back to its traditional cultural roots, so that it can spread to the community in a sustainable and profound way.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu commented that the works of painter Minh Dam create a subtle dialogue between the past and the present, between Vietnamese art and the international art scene, thereby spreading humanistic and creative values to the public.

"The combination of Vietnamese painting and Polish music today is a testament to the enduring values of cultural diplomacy – where art becomes a bridge connecting people, fostering mutual understanding and respect," the Director of the Cultural and Artistic Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám pointed out.

Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken expressed her admiration for artist Minh Dam's humane and modern perspective. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

In addition, many Ambassadors shared positive feedback about the exhibition. In an interview with the World and Vietnam Newspaper , the Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, Hilde Solbakken, said that she was particularly impressed with how artist Minh Dam told the story of the evolution of identity as people move between cultures.

“He spoke about how identity is formed over time and is never immutable. I found that to be a very humane and modern perspective,” Ambassador Solbakken expressed.

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama answers questions from the World and Vietnam Newspaper. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama was also impressed by how artist Minh Dam expressed the connection between Vietnam and Poland through painting.

The diplomat said that Minh Dam's paintings not only depict landscapes or emotions, but also open up a new perspective on cultural exchange, rich in depth and different from the familiar style of many Vietnamese artists. "When we see Minh Dam's paintings of Hanoi, there's a bit of what you might call 'Westernized'," Ambassador Saadi Salama shared his impression.

A performance by the OSP Nadarzyn Orchestra. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Following the opening ceremony, in the solemn and ancient setting of the Temple of Literature, the audience continued to enjoy a performance by the OSP Nadarzyn Orchestra, one of the finest brass bands in Poland and Europe.

Founded in 1988, OSP Nadarzyn has won numerous street parade competitions in Europe and around the world. This is a testament to Poland's long and proud musical tradition, founded by great composers such as Fryderyk Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Henryk Wieniawski.

45 young musicians delivered impressive performances, affirming the vibrant spirit of Polish musical tradition. The presence of OSP Nadarzyn in Hanoi further reinforces the unifying power of art and the proud continuation of the younger generation of Polish musicians.