OPENING OF THE “NGŨ HÌNH 3” ART EXHIBITION AT VĂN MIẾU – QUỐC TỬ GIÁM

On the morning of 24 October 2026, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, in collaboration with the “Ngũ Hình” artists’ group, held the opening ceremony of the “Ngũ Hình 3” art exhibition at the Front Hall of the Thái Học Building. The exhibition is a meaningful cultural event marking the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026).

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Nguyễn Văn Tú, Deputy Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, along with the participating artists, their friends and family members, representatives of news agencies and the press, and a large number of art enthusiasts.

Featuring 30 artworks by six artists — Bùi Hải Nam, Trần Minh Tuấn, Trường Thịnh, Nguyễn Đỗ Long, Phan Giang and Phạm Thị Hải Yến — “Ngũ Hình 3” presents an inspiring journey through the visual arts, vividly portraying observations and impressions of everyday life, the beauty of nature and the atmosphere of traditional festivals.

The artworks offer creative perspectives on everyday life and the beauty of nature and people. Highlights include Miên Hoa and Em Mơ by Phạm Thị Hải Yến, characterised by their soft, bright colours; Hồ Gươm, Ngắm trăng and Múa lân Xóm Chài by Trần Minh Tuấn, evoking the atmosphere of traditional festivals; and Sắc Thu and Hoài Niệm by Trường Thịnh, depicting landscapes.

Through the language of contemporary art, elements of Vietnamese folk culture are vividly brought to life within a heritage setting that embodies a thousand years of cultural and scholarly traditions. Each artwork tells its own story, offering distinctive and creative perspectives on folk culture. Together, the works not only portray and celebrate the beauty of cultural heritage but also affirm the enduring vitality of folk traditions within contemporary artistic creation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Nguyễn Văn Tú, Deputy Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, stated:

“The ‘Ngũ Hình 3’ exhibition successfully brings together elements of the two previous exhibitions, ‘Ngũ Hình 1’ and ‘Ngũ Hình 2’. Through their dedication, the artists have brought a distinctive collection to the heritage site, creating a dialogue between historical values and new aesthetic perspectives. Integrating the visual arts into a heritage setting enriches the site's cultural value and helps bring its significance to a wider audience. The artworks are inspired primarily by cultural activities, heritage and elements of folk culture, and employ a range of materials and techniques, including gouache and watercolour painting on silk and traditional dó paper. In doing so, they affirm the enduring vitality of traditional values within the development of modern art. This exhibition is also a meaningful event marking the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám.”

Speaking on behalf of the participating artists, Trần Minh Tuấn explained: “The name ‘Ngũ Hình’ does not simply refer to the number of members in the group. It also evokes the theory of the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành) in Eastern culture, which has a profound influence on Vietnamese medicine, cuisine and everyday life. This reflects the artists’ approach to artistic creation: although artistic forms may vary widely, their essence remains rooted in cultural heritage and a close connection with nature, inspired by a love of everyday life and long-standing traditional values.”

Held at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, a heritage site steeped in a thousand years of cultural history, the “Ngũ Hình 3” exhibition not only contributes to promoting heritage values but also connects folk culture with contemporary art. The exhibition also provides a space for artistic exchange, creativity and the sharing of artistic experiences. It seeks to inspire a passion for creativity among younger generations while bringing the visual arts closer to the public.

“Ngũ Hình 3” offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate artworks inspired by folk culture within a historic heritage setting, allowing them to discover the richness and diversity of Vietnamese visual arts and culture in contemporary life.

The exhibition runs from 24 October to 5 November 2026 at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám.

TL: LH