The exhibition was inspired by the exceptional idea of a group of Hanoi-based artists who wished to use art to bring out a new kind of spirit and change what people think about “the genre of Sword Lake painting”.

It was co-organised by Hoan Kiem management board and Vietnam art mobilisation and cultural diplomatic board under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of External Culture and UNESCO.

The exhibition attracted 14 artists, each of whom has submitted two artworks. The 28 paintings show various perspectives, shades and different viewpoints on Sword Lake through four seasons by the artists, demonstrating their personal affections for the capital and the legendary lake, the treasure of Hanoi.

Painted with oil on canvas and wood, the highlighted artworks depicting the natural beauty of Sword Lake included famous faces among hanoi’s artists, like Bui Huu Hung’s Phong Canh Ho Guom (The Scene of Sword Lake), Nguyen Thi Trang Nga’s Nang Ben Ho (Sunray by the Lake), or Tran Tuyet Mai’s Mua Thu Ha Noi (Autumn in Hanoi).

Dao Thi Lien Huong, head of Vietnam Arts and Culture Diplomatic faculty, said the exhibition was the idea of painter Le Anh Van, former rector of Vietnam University of Fine Arts, “When we think about the genre of Sword Lake painting, it is typically considered the low end. However, while we are working with embassies of many countries, most of them said paintings of Sword Lake are needed. From that idea, we started to plan quality paintings of Sword Lake in order to change people’s minds on this genre.”

Painter Le Anh Van also shared his thoughts on the exhibition.

 

“Sword Lake is a beautiful destination, a cultural centre and spotlight of Hanoi in both scenery and historical legend. Therefore, Sword Lake paintings need to raise people’s awareness in keeping the beauty of the lake intact. Meanwhile, we also want to elevate the aesthetic ability of citizens and bring fine arts closer to the public,” he said.