The lotus – Việt Nam’ national flower, is being honoured at an art exhibition that opened in Hà Nội today (April 28).

The exhibition, entitled Hạ Liên (Summer Lotus), introduces to art lovers 30 pieces depicting lotus flowers.

The art has been created by several renowned artists of Hà Nội, encompassing various styles and materials such as lacquer, oil on canvas, acrylic, silk,and giấy dó (poonah paper).

Lotus flowers play an important role and special position in both Vietnamese spirit and culture.

The flower grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. These blossoms have long been linked to Buddhism, nobility and pure thoughts.

Lotus is known as an exquisite flower, symbolising purity, elegance and strength which are the characteristics of Vietnamese people.

Organisers the Văn Lang Art and Culture Centre, say the lotus flower is deeply intertwined with Vietnamese culture and people. Whether in urban or rural areas, the pure beauty of this flower can be found everywhere. The flower has brought endless creative inspiration for many artists.

At the Hạ Liên exhibition, the artists featured are Thành Chương, Công Quốc Hà, Đặng Thu Hương, Phan Hòa, Đỗ Đức, Phạm Lực, Bùi Trọng Dư, Vũ Dũng, Trần Phi Trường and Trần Triệu Nam.

The 30 pieces represent 30 different aspects capturing the beauty of this noble flower.

The painting by Thành Chương reflects his distinctive contemporary folk style, while the work by Công Quốc Hà showcases the simplicity with delicate colours, exhibiting a sense of elegance.

The lotus paintings by artist Đặng Thu Hương feature vibrant colours and modern composition. Using the medium of traditional lacquer, artist Nguyễn Hải Nam’s work exudes the dreaminess.

Like his peer Hải Nam, painter Bùi Trọng Dư also presents four lacquer paintings that honour both the beauty of the lotus and Vietnamese women.

The paintings Trong Hồ Sen (In the Lotus Pond) and Ấp Ủ (Cherish) by Vũ Dũng convey the message of life, the harmony between humans and nature.

Artist Phan Hòa exhibits his unique and modern style that blends a subtle hint of the traditional Oriental ink painting. As a result, the lotus flowers in his paintings possess a sense of simplicity and familiarity, as well as the enchantment and ethereality.

The exhibition Hạ Liên opens to public until June 28 at the Văn Lang Art and Culture Centre, 6A Floor, Hoàng Thành Building, 114 Mai Hắc Đế Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hà Nội. — VNS