OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION "THE INKSTONE REMAINS FRAGRANT”
In celebration of the 79th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as well as the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024), on the afternoon of August 31, 2024, the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám organized the opening ceremony of the calligraphy exhibition "The Inkstone Remains Fragrant". The exhibition will take place from August 31, 2024, to September 25, 2024, at Thái Học Courtyard, the Special National Relic Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám.
The exhibition introduces 70 official Vietnamese calligraphy works along with hundreds of smaller pieces to the public, blending installation art and lighting effects to create a new perspective. This will offer the public profound insights into the value of language, the literary heritage passed down by our ancestors, and the beauty of calligraphy art showcased through every brushstroke.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Phan Thanh Hải - Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Thừa Thiên Huế Province; Dr. Thang Văn Phúc - former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Dr. Lê Trung Kiên - Rector of Nhân Mỹ School; Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám; Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tú, Deputy Director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám; Mr. Vũ Thanh Tùng - Curator and Designer of the exhibition, along with participating artists and a large number of calligraphy enthusiasts.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu - Director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám emphasized: “The exhibition aims to create a fresh and innovative change for the Vietnamese calligraphy as well as to establish a platform and a more sustainable, robust connection among calligraphers across the country. Through this, the exhibition can enrich cultural life and activities.”
Mr. Vũ Thanh Tùng (Xuân Như) - Curator and exhibition designer, shared at the event: “The initial inspiration came from the inkstone of the Lê dynasty and two ancient ink brushes at the Bái Đường House in the Temple of Literature. This led us to come up with an idea and name the exhibition "The Inkstone Remains Fragrant ".
On behalf of the author group, Mr. Bùi Chính Hưng shared: “We want to convey a message about the enduring value of traditional cultural heritage, especially Vietnamese calligraphy.”
A special highlight of the opening ceremony was an impressive performance of Vietnamese calligraphy set to traditional music by five calligraphers from the three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam.
During the exhibition period, on September 14, 2024, the Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the curator and authors, will hold a seminar on the topic: "Vietnamese Calligraphy in the Current Context - Reality and Future Directions."
The exhibition aims to enhance awareness and guide the public towards a more accurate understanding and evaluation of the role and value of Vietnamese calligraphy in the contemporary context, contributing to making Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám a significant and prominent destination for calligraphy exhibitions.
Below are some images from the opening ceremony!
Calligraphy performance at the event
Delegates attended the ceremony
Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu - Director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám spoke at the opening ceremony
Mr. Vũ Thanh Tùng (Xuân Như) - Curator and exhibition designer, shared at the event
On behalf of the author group, Mr. Bùi Chính Hưng shared at the event
Presented flowers in appreciation to the authors
Delegates cut the ribbon for the opening
Delegates listened to presentation and toured the exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition
Translator: NL
