Hanoi Art Fair connects artists and the public

THE HANOI TIMES — The “Da Sac” ("Multicolors") exhibition and a series of creative art activities under the umbrella of the Hanoi Art Fair, which are ongoing at the Temple of Literature, create a unique artistic space that serves as a bridge between artists and the public.

The exhibition, which runs until March 31, features nearly 350 artworks in various media, including oil painting, watercolor, silk, acrylic, graphic art, pen drawings, and more.

The event is co-organized by 12 artists and art studios in collaboration with the Cultural & Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, with the aim of spreading the spirit of artistic creativity to the public.

Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the center, told The Hanoi Times: "We are very happy that the Temple of Literature has become a creative cultural space and a bridge between tradition and contemporary Vietnamese art, preserving and promoting the beauty of national culture through young talents."

He stressed that the exhibition combines tradition and modernity, encourages creativity and makes art more accessible. "The event also introduces Vietnam's cultural heritage to an international audience," Kieu added.

In addition, the fair offers an intimate creative space at the Thai Hoc Courtyard, where 12 experiential booths are set up like "open houses," inviting visitors to step into the world of creativity.

Each space tells a unique story and conveys a distinct message from the artist. Visitors can participate in workshops on painting, drawing, and traditional paper arts, transforming passive observation into hands-on artistic experiences, exploring creative processes, discussing inspirations, and gaining insight into the artistic journey.

The opening event of the Hanoi Art Fair's activities is a watercolor workshop hosted by Nhau Studio. Under the guidance of artist Thuy Anh, participants begin the day with a refreshing cup of lotus leaf tea and are inspired by the delicate lotus petals to design the packaging for the "made by me" tea product.

"Although I am more than 100 kilometers away from Hanoi, I signed up without hesitation for two of painter Thuy Anh's experiential workshops. I am not an artist, but I am very excited to join the activity and I will experience all the workshops at the Hanoi Art Fair," Hoang Thi Phuong, a teacher from the northern province of Thai Nguyen, told The Hanoi Times.

Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, an artist from Hanoi, said: "This is the first time I have experienced drawing the lotus flower. I feel really excited! I also want to try to draw many different kinds of flowers with the watercolor."

Art is not just about finished works displayed on easels or in galleries; it is also a journey of experience, discovery, and creativity. "If you love art or want to experiment with new materials, don't miss the creative workshops at the Hanoi Art Fair, where you can learn and create your own masterpiece," Hien said.

"The exhibition aims to create a quality playground for artists, especially young people, so they can both express their love for the country's beauty through their pens and showcase their own talents," artist Bui Thanh Viet Hung, head of the Hanoi Watercolor Artists Club, told The Hanoi Times.

He emphasized that the event features accessible and relatable works, rather than exclusive or expensive pieces. "It serves as both a showcase for artists and a platform for artistic exchange."

"Whether or not you've ever held a paintbrush, the fair is for everyone, even beginners who are exploring art for the first time. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in creative workshops where art is not just to look at, but to experience and explore," said the artist.