The ‘Memories of To River’ tells history of Hanoi through paintings
The exhibition reminds Hanoi lovers of the historic river that used to be a waterway within the city in the past.
An exhibition titled ‘Memories of To River’ by Hanoi-based painter Vu Xuan Dong (1974) is underway at the city’s cultural and artistic space, No 22 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi until May 31.
The space of the “Memories of To River” exhibition. Photo: Nguoi do thi |
According to the curator of the exhibition, Nguyen The Son, there used to be plenty of ponds, lakes, and rivers in Hanoi before the French came and built into a modern urban landscape in the early 19th century.
These lakes and rivers were gradually leveled and replaced by straight-line streets. Sharing the same fate, To or so-called To Lich River, once a smooth waterway has also disappeared.
The historic river that flows through the capital city played a very important role in the spiritual life of Hanoians in the past in the past as it was once considered a protector of ancient Thang Long Citadel or today Hanoi.
To Lich River was originally a branch of the Red river- the river that gave birth to the city.
This 14-kilometer-length river runs through six districts of Hanoi, starting from Nghia Do Ward, in Cau Giay District and emptying into the Nhue River in Huu Hoa Commune, Thanh Tri District. It was once considered a moat of the ancient Thang Long-Hanoi citadel. Today, the pollution of this river is so high that it has been called a “dead” river.
An installation of bronze engraving and lacquer artworks themed To River by Vu Xuan Dong. |
“Then, the artist has delved into the story of the river, telling the people about the ill fate of the river,” he stated.
“Vu Xuan Dong’s paintings mirror the relentless influx of immigrants into this city. They are hardworking and diligent like small streams running into big rivers,” he added.
The exhibition features nearly 30 paintings in various materials including oil on canvas, acrylic, gouache, lacquer and bronze engraving were created by the artist for over 20 years.
“Memories of To River” exhibition is an attempt to contribute to the continuity of the artistic flow of the cultural and artistic Space of 22 Hang Buom.
Other News
- Sound installation to explore history
- Balade en France 2024: “Distinctive Flavors – Sports Spirit”
- Hanoi, a city of music in the making
- Beyond Box Office: Viet movies touched hearts and souls
- Indian dance troupe Pratibha Kala Kendra takes center stage in Vietnamese cities
- Cultural events to mark International Francophonie Day 2024
- 14th Francophone film festival to hit big cities
- Gastronomic festival "Balade en France 2024" to be held in April
- International Nature Film Week to be held in Hanoi
- Top-notch international symphony concerts to hit the stage in Hanoi
Trending
-
World Bank looks forward to stronger ties with Vietnam: country director
-
Vietnam urges respect for international law in East Sea
-
Hanoi kicks off communication contest on Dien Bien Phu victory
-
French education group Odyssey keen on strengthening cooperation with Hanoi
-
Hanoi, Shanghai strengthen investment cooperation
-
UOB Painting of the Year Award opens doors to the world for Vietnamese artists
-
Grapefruit blossom perfume Hanoi's air
-
MICE tourism: Vietnam's lucrative “golden market” unveiled
-
Vietnam: Sleep Tourism on the rise