Exhibition 'Friendship': 24 artists from three countries join in artistic dialogue

On September 5, the international art exhibition "Friendship-Amistad-Pagkakaibigan 2025" opened at Thai Hoc House, the special national relic of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam.

The exhibition introduces 49 works by 24 artists from three countries: Vietnam, Spain, and the Philippines, with many unique approaches and styles, reflecting themes of heritage, people, and nature.

The exhibition’s theme is also “Friendship” in Vietnamese, Spanish and Tagalog, Philippines, emphasizing the role of art as a global cultural bridge, contributing to promoting empathy and connection between cultures and communities.

The exhibition includes paintings, graphics, sculptures, installations, and 3D mapping projections. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

Representing the artists participating in the exhibition, artist Le Thi Thanh said that this is an opportunity for the visual arts of Vietnam, Spain and the Philippines to speak together. Painting, graphics, sculpture, installation, 3D mapping projection... blend together, surpassing all boundaries of borders, languages and time, becoming a bridge connecting souls.

“We believe that each work on display today is a story of history, identity and aspiration; and when present together, they form a big picture of friendship, respect and sustainable cooperation between peoples,” the artist expressed.

Vietnamese artists bring works rich in identity, from images of dragons, lotus, bronze drums to rural landscapes, urban life and Vietnamese people in the transitional period. Lacquer, silk, acrylic materials are exploited in a variety of ways, demonstrating the ability to constantly innovate in creativity.

The artists conveyed humanistic messages, demonstrating cultural exchange between ethnic groups. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

Spanish art is bold, expressive, and deeply influenced by tradition and surrealism. The works in this exhibition continue the inspiration of masters such as Picasso, Miró, Dalí, etc., but still have their own mark, revolving around themes of history, ego, and humanity. Bright colors, impressive shapes, and depth of thought create a unique appeal.

Philippine art is the result of a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, American and Asian cultures, creating an identity that is both liberal and profound. Works often express the relationship between man and nature, religion, history and social reality, from folk paintings to conceptual art and contemporary expression - all rich in humanity and expressive power.

"The Open Sea" by Ku Kao Khai. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

Speaking about the exhibition, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, affirmed that the exhibition is a vivid demonstration of the connecting power of art. Through the visual language, the artists have conveyed humanistic messages, expressed the cultural exchange between ethnic groups and aroused the spirit of solidarity in the international community.

“We hope the event will not only be an artistic rendezvous, but also a space for cultural dialogue, spreading creative inspiration and friendship,” said Mr. Le Xuan Kieu.

The exhibition is open until September 21./.