Vietnamese painter Tu Duyen passes away



Tu Duyen was born in 1915 in Bac Ninh Province and graduated from the Indochina Fine Arts College in 1938. He became a member of the Vietnam Association of Fine Arts.

He was renowned for his works based on the folk poems Chinh Phu Ngam, Truyen Kieu and UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Hoi An, My Son and Hue Citadel that were displayed in Vietnam, France and Ireland.

Tu Duyen once said the course provided a good opportunity to learn from international artists and complete his dream of “making journeys into the past” to create paintings based on the country’s heritage.
Vietnamese painter Tu Duyen

Since 1939 the painter lived in Ho Chi Minh City and achieved much success in his art career.

In 1942, Tu Duyen successful made a production of the first hand-stamping on silk that was regarded as a breakthrough in the art of painting.

In the 1950's, the "hand-stamping on silk" by Tu Duyen was recognised nationwide.

In 1955, his painting "Tran Binh Trong" won the first Fine Arts Prize in southern Vietnam.

In October1998, he travelled to Italy, France and Germany and organised a Group exhibition in Brussels, held by the European Committee, with funds and contributions of US$1 million from European organisations and individuals.

He made public nine collections of paintings and 52 wood-engravings. His works appeared in various museums at home and abroad and also in the private collections of US billionaire Rockefeller and Cambodian Royal King Sihanouk.

Buddha’s birthday celebrated in Paris

A ceremony to celebrate Lord Buddha’s 2556th birthday was held at Truc Lam pagoda in Villebon-sur-Yvette on the outskirts of Paris on May 5.
Most Venerable Thich Phuoc Duong, head of the pagoda, highlighted the significance of the event and Buddhist followers’ contributions.

The Most Venerable spoke of Buddhist philosophy, calling on followers to uphold the national great unity and actively involve in social and humanitarian activities.

The participants, including Vietnamese Ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung, Head of the Vietnamese delegation to UNESCO Ambassador Duong Van Quang and the vice mayors of Villebon-sur-Yvette, prayed for peace and happiness for mankind.

HCMC show features Indonesian traditional dance

Nearly a thousand local students flocked to the Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Economics for the performance of the West Sumbawa Cultural Troupe from Indonesia on May 5.

Titled “Splendid West Sumbawa,” the show featured traditional Indonesian dances Ser Menik Kuning, Ngumang Rame and Basaramaras, performed by 40 professional troupe dancers under the direction of Indonesian choreographer Dedy Luan.

Held by the Indonesian Consulate in HCMC, the event aims to bring Indonesian culture close to local audiences, especially the youths, as well as to tie the relationship between the two countries.

After HCMC, the troupe will continue touring to southern provinces including Vinh Long, Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai until May 8.

Vietnamese students join cultural festival in Russia

A cultural festival was held at the People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) to mark the Victory Day (May 9).

The festival attracted RUDN students from 140 countries and representatives from other universities and schools, as well as officials and war veterans.

Vietnamese students participation aims to introduce the images of Vietnamese land and people to international friends.