VĂN MIẾU – QUỐC TỬ GIÁM THROUGH THE BRUSHES OF TWO INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS
Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám has long been a source of inspiration not only for generations of Vietnamese artists but also for artists from around the world.
Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám has long been a source of inspiration not only for generations of Vietnamese artists but also for artists from around the world. Through their different perspectives, the monument takes on a variety of moods: the tranquillity of Hồ Văn, the timeless beauty of historic architecture nestled beneath leafy trees, and the solemn, contemplative atmosphere of an enduring symbol of Vietnamese culture and learning.
The exhibition “Quốc Tử Giám through Art” presents diverse perspectives on Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám through works by both Vietnamese and international artists. Among them, international artists Minh Đàm and Khotsouvanh Hongsa have captured their profound impressions of the monument in the delicate, expressive language of watercolour. Each work not only portrays the beauty of the heritage site but also conveys the artist’s individual voice, reflections, and affection for this treasured cultural space.
Minh Đàm is a Polish artist of Vietnamese origin, born in Hà Nội and raised in Warsaw, Poland. In this exhibition, he presents “Shades of Green at Hồ Văn”, capturing a quiet and peaceful moment by the lake through gently interwoven layers of green. The trees and surrounding landscape are rendered in subtle hues, creating a sense of natural serenity and contemplation. According to Minh Đàm, rather than making hurried plans at the start of the new year, he wanted to devote his full attention to the present moment. This mindful observation enabled him to discover subtle shifts of light and colour in the natural landscape around Văn Lake.
Meanwhile, Lao artist Khotsouvanh Hongsa presents two works, “Văn Miếu in Me I” and “Văn Miếu in Me II”. His participation in the ASEAN Watercolour Exchange Exhibition at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám in October 2025 left a profound impression on him and subsequently inspired these two paintings. Featuring Khuê Văn Các and the Bell Tower as their focal points, the works highlight two distinctive architectural landmarks of the monument. Through his luminous and spontaneous watercolour technique, the structures emerge amid green foliage and gentle light, appearing at once historic and dignified, yet intimate and full of vitality. The title “Văn Miếu in Me” suggests that the monument has become more than a landscape to the artist: it has entered his memories, emotions, and personal artistic world.
What unites these works is a shared appreciation for cultural heritage. Through colour and line, the two international artists offer the public new ways of seeing Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám—not only as a historic monument and a symbol of Vietnam’s tradition of learning and scholarship, but also as a source of artistic inspiration that transcends national boundaries.
LH