The "Niêm Hoa" smile

Drawing is also a form of meditation.

After Hanoi and Hoi An, the "Niem Hoa" art exhibition has arrived in Hue. The theme "Niem Hoa" takes its name from the story "Niem Hoa Vi Tieu," which tells of the birth of Zen in Buddhism. The story goes that, by chance, one day the Buddha had a special lecture, attended by a group of outstanding students. He stepped onto the platform, and the room fell silent. Everyone waited, but the Buddha said nothing. He simply took a lotus flower from his pocket and held it up. The entire class watched in silence. Only Kasyapa smiled. This method of teaching is called mind-to-mind transmission, without the need for written words. That was the first moment Zen was born. "Niem Hoa Vi Tieu" is also known by its full title "Niem Hoa Thuan Muc Pha Nhan Vi Tieu," meaning: "Holding out the flower, in the blink of an eye, a smile appears on the face."

That's the Buddhist legend, and for the G39 group of artists, "Niem Hoa" (Flower Holding) refers to paintings of flowers based on that legend. They understand and share Buddhist teachings through their paintings. Each artist has a different way of thinking and perspective, but they all share a common goal: the Buddha-nature. On their journey of self-discovery, the group of artists has contemplated similarities between artistic creation and meditation. For them, an artist is someone who seeks themselves, finding their own unique way of expression and personality. As artist Le Thiet Cuong shared: "Painting is also cultivating the mind and character, painting is also meditation."

Looking at the works of the G39 group of artists, it's easy to see that each artist has their own unique style of "flower arrangement." While all feature lotus flowers, some prefer a natural, tranquil style, while others opt for a rustic, simple approach. Not only lotuses, but also plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, bamboo, and other rare and exotic flowers appearing in their works all bear the distinct characteristics of each artist, coexisting as a dialogue of diverse, multifaceted personalities hidden beneath the serene spirit of Zen.

“Mona Lisa smiles, Kasyapa smiles. Each has their own meaning, even though they share the same smile, admire the same flower. Understanding the common aspiration towards Buddhahood among the G39 group of artists, I readily agreed to prepare and organize the exhibition of these 50 artistic works at Lan Vien Co Tich II (Bach Dang Street). I hope that the exhibition can convey to the public the colors of Buddhism, especially since it will take place during the Buddha's birthday celebration,” Professor Dr. Thai Kim Lan confided.

According to Mr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports , the "Niem Hoa" exhibition also contributes to enriching the activities in the Hue - Heritage City program taking place in the near future.

Attracting art-loving audiences

Visiting the exhibition, it's easy to see that many young people are also interested in meditation, Buddhism, and works of art. Pham Nguyen Sa (a student at the University of Arts, Hue University) was impressed by the black and white paintings of flowers by artist Le Thiet Cuong. “I like simplicity, so I was very attracted by the minimalist brushstrokes of the artist. He doesn't depict any specific flower, but lets the viewer imagine, allowing them to see any flower they want. This is also when beauty comes from the inner feeling of each person,” Nguyen Sa said.

Phan Thi Ngoc Anh (a student at the University of Science, Hue University) was delighted by the lacquer paintings of artist Phuong Binh, particularly those depicting people and flowers conversing. Lotus flowers and nude figures, intertwined, transforming into each other, blooming and showcasing their beauty together. “I feel a sense of freedom and spontaneity in the artist, with many evocative details. Looking at Phuong Binh's works, I appreciate how the lotus petals, buds, and seed pods live and rejoice according to their circumstances, as if spreading a subtle fragrance of lotus and people,” Ngoc Anh said.

The G39 group of artists has successfully found themselves in art, successfully conveying Buddhist messages and bringing smiles to art-loving audiences with their flowers.

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