SUMMARY AND AWARD CEREMONY OF THE "THE ARTISTIC PAINTING COMPETITION AT VĂN MIẾU-QUỐC TỬ GIÁM”
This morning, on January 30, 2021, at the Doctoral Steles area, a special national landmark Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám in Hanoi, the Summary and Award Ceremony of the "The Artistic Painting Competition at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám" took place. The competition was organized by the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, the UNESCO office in Vietnam, and the University of Construction.
Out of more than 150 entries, the Organizing Committee selected the top 14 outstanding works to be awarded during the ceremony. The First Prize went to the work "Khuê Văn Pavilion" by the author Đặng Viết Lộc, a student at the University of Construction. The Second Prizes were awarded to "Drum Building" by Vi Thị Nguyệt, from the University of Construction, and " Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám from Above" by Bùi Văn Quân, a student at the University of Architecture. The Third Prizes were given to three works: "The corner of Bell Buiding" by Đặng Viết Lộc from the University of Construction, "Doctoral Stele" by Nguyễn Đình Hoàng from the University of Architecture, and "Shrine of King Lê Thánh Tông" by Lương Thị Thu Giang from the University of Construction. Additionally, eight Encouragement Prizes were awarded.
In addition to the prize-winning works, 40 other beautiful paintings will be selected for exhibition on the walls flanking the Khuê Văn Pavilion area at the special national labdmark of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám during the upcoming Lunar New Year.
The participating artworks in the competition demonstrated richness in theme, diversity in perspectives, and artistic styles. Some pieces showcased architectural structures like Khuê Văn Pavilion, the Gate of the Temple of Literature, Đại Thành Gate, and Bái Đường, while others explored topics such as mythical creatures like dragons, Nghê, or the Doctoral Steles. Some works focused on a specific detail at the dragon's doorstep, while others depicted the entire space of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám from above. The statistics showed that Khuê Văn Pavilion was the most prevalent theme among the artworks.
Despite sharing the same theme, each artwork offered a different and creative perspective of the famous architectural and artistic structure. Particularly noteworthy was the diverse use of materials and artistic techniques, such as pencil, iron pen, watercolor, etc., allowing young artists to express the simple yet familiar and innovative beauty of this nearly thousand-year-old cultural heritage.
The competition "The Artistic Painting at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám" is a practical activity in response to Hanoi's commitment to participating in the international collaboration process among cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (in the Design field). Moreover, the competition serves as a meaningful and wholesome playground for young art enthusiasts, contributing to the preservation of Vietnam's cultural heritage, including the special national Landmark Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, transforming it into a cultural hub and a creative space for the younger generation.
