OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "NGŨ HÌNH 2" EXHIBITION AT VĂN MIẾU – QUỐC TỬ GIÁM
On the morning of August 2, 2025, the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, in collaboration with the “Ngũ Hình” artist group, held the opening ceremony of the art exhibition “Ngũ Hình 2” at the Tiền Đường House, within the Special National Landmark of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám. The event is a meaningful activity in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025).
The exhibition features 25 works by painters and architects Bùi Hải Nam, Trường Thịnh, Nguyễn Đức Phương, Phạm Duy Quỳnh, and architect Trần Minh Tuấn — a group of young artists who share a deep affection for national culture and express their emotional connection to the beauty of Vietnam’s nature, culture, and people in the flow of modern life.
Ms. Nguyễn Liên Hương – Deputy Director of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities – joined the five members of the “Ngũ Hình” group: painters Bùi Hải Nam, Trường Thịnh, Nguyễn Đức Phương, Phạm Duy Quỳnh, and architect Trần Minh Tuấn.
“Ngũ Hình” is an artistic concept rooted in traditional Vietnamese culture, closely associated with the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành) — represented through five symbolic shapes. These geometric forms serve not only as basic elements of visual composition but also carry rich symbolic meanings within Vietnamese visual thinking:
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Metal (Kim) – Circle: fullness, balance
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Water (Thủy) – Wavy line: transformation, fluidity
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Wood (Mộc) – Rectangle: growth, expansion
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Fire (Hỏa) – Triangle: dynamism, passion
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Earth (Thổ) – Square: stability, endurance
The five painters and architects of the “Ngũ Hình” group have skillfully applied this visual language of form to express their deep affection for Vietnamese nature, culture, and people. Each work presents a unique perspective on traditional beauty — at times familiar, at times subtly emerging — within the rhythm of contemporary life.
“Peaceful 2” and “An Autumn Afternoon 2” - Artist Trường Thịnh - Color and ink on silk
“Remembering old crafts" - Artist Bùi Hải Nam - Ink on Dó paper
“Lunch break” - Artist Phạm Duy Quỳnh - Oil painting
“Peaceful countryside” - Artist Phạm Duy Quỳnh - Oil painting
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Nguyễn Liên Hương – Deputy Director of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities – shared:
“Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám is a unique cultural and historical space, a symbol of the Vietnamese tradition of learning and respect for teachers. In this new era, we hope to transform this place into an open cultural space, where the essence of the past meets the creative spirit of the present. The ‘Ngũ Hình 2’ exhibition is a testament to that vision.”
On behalf of the artist group, painter Trần Minh Tuấn shared:
“For us, ‘Ngũ Hình’ is not only a foundation of visual language, but also a means of connecting with the flow of traditional culture. This exhibition is an opportunity for us to express our love and gratitude for heritage, while conveying the creative aspirations of today’s younger generation.”
The “Ngũ Hình 2” exhibition is open to the public from August 2 to August 13, 2025, at the Tiền Đường House, within the Special National Landmark of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám.
📍 Venue: Tiền Đường House – Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Hanoi
🗓 Duration: August 2 – August 13, 2025
