Madam Ngo Phuong Ly - spreading Vietnamese cultural identity in foreign affairs activities

As part of a tour of four European countries in early May 2025, the official visit of General Secretary To Lam and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly and a high-ranking delegation to the Russian Federation at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin has brought about many positive results. The role of the Vietnamese First Lady has been clearly recognized by international friends through cultural exchange activities and promoting the country's image. From the elegant style in the Ao Dai to the in-depth cultural meetings, the First Lady has contributed to introducing the beauty of Vietnam, both in image and spirit, to the international community.

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly visits the exhibition of paintings by Vietnamese and Russian artists at the Moscow State University of Fine Arts named after VISurikov. Photo: Nguyen Hong

Having studied Fine Arts Design at the Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, and born into a family with a tradition of painting and cinema, Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly chose to introduce the field that she is knowledgeable and passionate about: Vietnamese contemporary painting. Five typical Vietnamese artists, working with diverse materials and styles, were selected to exhibit their paintings in Azerbaijan and Russia. They are painter Dinh Quan with abstract lacquer; Pham Binh Chuong with emotional realistic oil paintings; Bui Tien Tuan with unconventional, poetic silk paintings; Dinh Thi Tham Poong with vibrant, feminine dó paper paintings; Nguyen Ngoc Dan with modern, powerful oil paintings.

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly is knowledgeable and passionate about Vietnamese contemporary painting. Photo: Nguyen Hong

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly visited the Moscow State Academy of Fine Arts named after VISurikov, to attend the exchange "Russian - Vietnamese Colors", where works of Russian and Vietnamese artists were displayed. Among the Vietnamese paintings present here are two oil paintings by artist Ngo Manh Lan, her father. The works Ben Cang and Trong Bao Mui were created by artist Ngo Manh Lan during the time he was studying animation directing at the Russian State University of Cinema named after SAGerasimov (VGIK) from 1956 to 1962. Before going to Russia to study, artist Ngo Manh Lan graduated from the Resistance Art Course in the Viet Bac resistance zone, directly trained by famous artist To Ngoc Van. However, according to experts, the works created in Russia were created from the perspective and feelings of a true Russian. Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly shared: With many years of living and studying in Russia, her father as well as many generations of Vietnamese people have deeply absorbed the Russian soul and character.

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly and her father's mementos. Photo: Nguyen Hong

Another destination in the activities of the Lady in Moscow is the Russian State University of Cinematography named after SAGerasimov (VGIK). For her, this is not only a cultural address, but also a place associated with family memories. As a child, she was familiar with the name VGIK through the stories of her father and sister who studied here. The Lady was taken by the Rector - People's Artist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Malyshev to visit the Department of Graphics with modern equipment; to visit the gallery of works of generations of students, including the works of People's Artist - Director - Painter Ngo Manh Lan, including three oil paintings and illustrations of the Russian version of the story "Diary of a Cricket" by writer To Hoai, first published in Russia in 1959. In particular, on the table in the middle of the room, there are drawings, sketches, and especially the report card of student Ngo Manh Lan, with all excellent 5 points. People's Artist Vladimir Malyshev presented Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly with a copy of her nearly 70-year-old report card.

Holding her father's memento in her arms, she was choked with emotion. That private moment spread deep emotions to everyone present. The lady sent her sincere thanks to the school and expressed her hope that more Vietnamese students would study here, as well as that film cooperation between Vietnam and Russia would develop in the future.

Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly visited the SAGerasimov Russian State University of Cinematography (VGIK). Photo: Nguyen Hong

Originally reserved and modest, since taking on her new responsibility, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly has gradually established her role with knowledge, responsibility and a solid cultural foundation. With her own personality, artistic soul and subtlety in behavior, she is quietly contributing to bringing the image of Vietnamese culture closer to international friends.

According to Nhan Dan

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/202505/phu-nhan-ngo-phuong-ly-lan-toa-ban-sac-van-hoa-viet-trong-hoat-dong-doi-ngoai-b9a1c26/