On January 7, at the University of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), the first-ever Prix de la Route Mandarine ceremony took place, drawing great attention from the arts community, collectors, and a large number of fine arts students from training institutions across the country.

The Prix de la Route Mandarine is the first international-level art award exclusively for Vietnamese fine arts students. It aims to encourage a new generation of artists to engage more deeply with the global art world while creating opportunities to connect with international art institutions and markets.

The judging panel brought together many respected experts, curators, and artists from Vietnam and France, ensuring both academic integrity and professional evaluation standards. Chair of the jury was Ms. Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, President of the Asian Artists Association in Paris and Deputy Director cum Head of Asian Art at the Aguttes auction house (France).

Jury members included collector Han Ngoc Vu, founder of A&V Art Collection and A&V Foundation; Mr. Nicola Baudo, Honorary President of the prize and representative of the descendants of painter Victor Tardieu; Mr. Guillaume Piens, Artistic Director of Art Paris; and contemporary artists Le Huy Tiep, Ha Manh Thang (Vietnam), and Alexandre Ebiala (France).

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr. Han Ngoc Vu emphasized: “We believe that creative competitions and directional awards like this are essential building blocks in nurturing a future generation of talented painters, fostering a healthy creative environment and laying the foundation for the long-term development of Vietnamese fine arts.”

Mr. Nicola Baudo commented: “This year’s prize entries demonstrate the seriousness and commitment of these young artists. Many show long-term artistic potential, perfectly aligned with the award's mission to accompany emerging talents as they integrate into the international art scene.”

The Prix de la Route Mandarine 2026 was awarded to two distinguished works: Hide and Seek by Nguyen Nguyet Anh and An Nam Sanctuary by Lam Gia Huan. Each work reflects a distinct artistic approach, yet both clearly embody serious exploration and strong personal creativity.

An Nam Sanctuary, painted on silk with silver leaf gilding techniques, depicts a woman of An Nam veiled in chiffon, standing still amid majestic mountains, symbolizing pure faith. Meanwhile, Hide and Seek, created on dual-layer silk with watercolor and gouache, offers a soft, intimate expression - an introspective pursuit connecting humanity with nature and the hidden inner self.

The two winning artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their works in Neuilly-sur-Seine (Paris, France) in early April 2026, coinciding with Paris’s peak contemporary art season.

Additionally, each artist will receive round-trip airfare and participate in an art residency program in Paris, including professional networking events, museum visits, art exhibitions, and major art fairs. They will also receive a €1,000 accommodation grant (over USD 1,100).