Female Malaysian and Vietnamese artists shared their take on feminism and other pressing social issues at the first joint exhibition being held in downtown Ha Noi.

Ray of Hope by Christine Das is one of the paintings on display.

Titled Sprouting, the exhibition displays more than 30 works, including sculpture, prints, paintings and art installations.

Four Malaysian and five Vietnamese artists have showcased a diverse array of themes such as environment, climate change, strength in beauty, the empowerment of women in a society with many gender stereotypes, and the sense of personal insignificance when confronted with the grand beauty of Nature.

The exhibition is one of many activities intended to boost bilateral cultural relations, Dato' Azmil Zabidi, ambassador of Malaysia to Viet Nam, said.

"This exhibition aims to showcase Malaysian and Vietnamese women artists in a field that is usually dominated by men. Women artists not only have to strive harder for financial independence and stability but also have to struggle against gender bias and must balance family commitments.

"These Malaysian artists offer insights into their professional lives, as well as provide the most intimate perspectives of women's position in modern society and the issues they encounter in their daily lives," he said.

This exhibition aims to celebrate the participants' talent, femininity, confidence and maturity as contemporary artists today. Each artist has her own story to tell, which is reflected in the art. They look forward to sharing their life experiences through these works.

Christine Das said she feels compelled to express Mother Nature's beauty to the world through her art as humans are often at odds with Nature, weakening her at an alarming rate.

"The beauty and mystery of Nature has captured my attention and moved me deeply since I was very young," she said. "She brings me great joy and simultaneously moves me to tears."

Vietnamese artists participating in the event include silk painter Nguyen Thu Huong, who uses flat patches and deep, moderately cold colours to tell stories about the daily lives of urban women.

"With good intentions, the artist also tells stories about contemporary society through the image of a very specific type of woman: gentle but also incredibly strong," curator Tam Nguyen said.

The exhibition will run until September 3 at the Ha Noi Old Quarter Cultural Centre, 50 Dao Duy Tu Street. It is being held to celebrate the 58th National Day of Malaysia (August 31) and the 70th National Day of Viet Nam (September 2). 

VNS