The southern region’s largest exhibition this year, featuring 200 paintings and sculptures, is on display at the Tien Giang Conference Centre in Can Tho City. 

The exhibit includes a variety of traditional and contemporary works created by young and veteran artists from the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta. 

Tran Thanh Duc, deputy chairman of Tien Giang province, said many of the showcase’s works were the result of creative camps launched by 13 provinces in the region this year. 

"Our artists have travelled around the region to find a new source of inspiration, capturing the beauty of daily life," he said. "Viewers can see contemporary southern Vietnam being portrayed with new vigour and passion. But the region’s traditional values are still overwhelmingly there." 

The organisers, the Vietnam Fine Arts Association and the Tien Giang Association of Literature and Arts, have presented the 2016 Fine Arts Awards for six works. 

Nguyen Huu Thien of Ben Tre province took home the first prize for his wood sculpture Truong Chua (Studying in Temple). 

Pham Thanh Hung of An Giang won second prize with his painting on silk, Cho Le Chuc Phuc (Wishing for Happiness). The third prize was presented to Phan Tien of Tra Vinh, for a wood sculpture. 

The Cuu Long River Delta Award was shared by Ha Phuoc Duy of Long An, Le Thi Xuan Hieu of Ben Tre and Tran Nguyen Dan of Tra Vinh, who created mixed-media works. 

All of the prize-winning works feature southern people in life and work. 

The show includes new works by veteran sculptors and painters such as Huynh Phuong Dong and Nguyen Hai. 

“People will be able to learn about the south’s culture and people through the exhibit,” said Tran Khanh Chuong, chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association. 

"Our association has worked with cultural authorities to encourage and support young talents in new art trends," said Chuong, adding that he hoped more organisations would be involved in sponsoring the association’s activities. 

The exhibition at 125 Le Thi Hong Gam street in Can Tho City will close on August 16.

VNA