In a distinctive move, artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc captivates visitors with her solo painting, "Shell of the Future," at an exhibition drawing thousands daily as part of HANIFF VII.
This special piece features a frame made of wood, designed to resemble a storage cabinet with an external lock.
Painted with watercolor on Vietnamese silk, the work combines traditional and modern elements, with soft contrasts in color.
Set against an earthy brown backdrop that symbolizes increasingly barren land, a tree grows resiliently under the faint sunlight.
The tree lacks vibrant green foliage, as if it, too, has been touched by the parched land, symbolizing the direct impact of climate change.
The artwork’s overall style bears resemblance to Van Gogh, known for capturing the profound essence of his subjects beyond surface appearance.
At the exhibition, the organizers of HANIFF VII invited Nguyen Thi Kim Duc to distribute 500 prints of "Shell of the Future" as gifts for hundreds of national and international delegates, spreading a message of environmental responsibility.
"Shell of the Future" was first introduced at the 2019 Vesak Day celebration and most recently displayed at the 2023 exhibition "Vietnamese Lotus - Pure Beauty," co-hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and UNESCO Vietnam.
The piece has been recognized by prestigious international outlets, including Forbes, Asia One, Sohu, Sina, and Naver.