VietNamNet Bridge – More than 50 paintings, eight sculptures by 60 artists and Buddhists are on display in downtown Ha Noi to commemorate the 8th National Buddhism Congress (for the term 2017-2022).

Audiences at the opening ceremony of the exhibition on November 20. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

Called the Contemporary Buddhism Fine Arts Exhibition, the event opened on Monday displays various views on the beautiful values of Buddhism in life, as well as contents of classic Buddhism teachings, the mingling of Buddhism in human life, people’s awareness during practising Buddhism and ancient Buddhism paintings and sculptures following Mandala and Thangka styles.

The works have been made between 2010 and 2017 on various materials such as lacquer, oil-on-canvas, silk and acrylic, as well as copper, glass and wood to create a varied artful atmosphere.

A sculpture at the exhibition. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

According to Venerable Monk Thich Minh Hien, an official from Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, said the artists focused on aesthetics, humane hearts and bright minds.

“Fine arts work in Buddhism has special features, with popularity and deep influence, and helps encourage people to return to their origins and promote beauty,” he said.

“During the historical current of Vietnamese Buddhism, fine arts were always tools to express and transmit Buddhist thoughts,” he said, “Besides priceless heritage of other forms of fine arts such as architecture, decorative sculptures, paintings and applied graphics, Buddhist fine arts has vividly featured 2,000-year-old Vietnamese Buddhism.”

The exhibition is underway at the Viet Nam Fine Arts University, 42 Yet Kieu Street till November 29. 

A painting titled Phat (Buddhist) by Le Thiet Cuong.

Source: VNS