Painting of an ancient Hanoi villa wins prestigious award

The painting of the villa at No. 9 Thanh Nien Street, Hanoi, was recently awarded the first prize in the painting contest held by Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel.

Tran Nam Long receives the first prize of the "Inspiring Tradition" painting contest. Photo: Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel

The winning artwork, titled "Balcony on a Sunny Day," by deaf painter Tran Nam Long, 18, depicts the ancient villa with its orange walls, tan tile roof and delicate architectural lines.

Built in the late 18th or early 19th century on the shores of the romantic West Lake, the villa belonged to Numa Bourgouin Meiffre (1851-1911), owner of the first cotton mill in Indochina.

Fifteen prominent painters also won the "Inspiring Tradition" painting competition.

Launched in September 2023, the painting competition aimed to recognize young artists studying at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts (Category 1) and Vietnamese artists with disabilities (Category 2) who demonstrate exceptional talent in visual arts through innovative and sustainable methods, and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their works to the wider community.

The award-winning painting entitled "Balcony on Sunny Day" by Tran Nam Long

The contest theme focuses on the tangible or intangible value or scenic spots in Vietnam that can be beautifully interpreted as an artistic expression to express emotions and perspectives on Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Five months after its launch, the hotel has received 76 entries from 72 artists. These artworks captured the hearts of the audience and told stories using a variety of materials such as oil on canvas, silhouette, wood carving, lacquer and traditional paper.

The competition honored 16 talented young artists for their exceptional artwork, each designed to humanize and inspire. Hailing from different regions of the country, they have strong determination and are willing to make the necessary efforts to pursue their dreams and develop their passion for art.

"The Thanh Long Dragon" by Huynh Thanh Nhi won the third prize, category 2 of the painting competition.

As a member of the judging panel, Wee Wei Ling, Executive Director of Sustainability Partnerships, Lifestyle and Asset of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, was impressed by the quality of all the artists' submissions. "The 2024 Pan Pacific Hanoi Art Award is the next initiative of Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel in promoting local heritage as well as nurturing young talents and artists with special needs," she said.

"The painting competition will be held every year with the aim of motivating participants to develop themselves and share their unique identity through art," she added.

The 16 winning artworks will be on display in the main lobby of Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel from March 27 to April 10.

"Inspiring Tradition" is the second painting competition under the Pan Pacific Art Award project. Previously, the hotel hosted the "Art Journey" painting competition in 2019, which attracted the participation of more than 80 professional and non-professional local painters.

"The Puzzle Pieces" by Nguyen Hoang Nam wins the first prize, category 1 of the painting competition.    The second prize, category 1, was awarded to Nguyen Thi Hoang Oanh for her painting "Ha Long Sky and Sea".

The third prize, category 1, was awarded to Hoang Hue Phuong's artwork "Bride Welcoming Ceremony".

Tran Diep Anh's "Sidewalks" received the Highly Commended Award, Category 1.

One of five consolation prizes, category 1, was awarded to Vu Thi Cam Tu for her painting entitled "The Colors of Vietnam".