HA NOI — A group exhibition of fantastical works by six artists from the northern province of Hai Duong will open on March 14 in Ha Noi.

Themed “Dreaming”, the exhibition will showcase 46 sculptures and paintings with the common inspiration of imagination.

Bui Quang Thang, art director of the Viet Nam National Institute of Arts and Culture Studies (VICAS) Art Studio, was the curator for the exhibition. He said he was impressed by the creativity and diverse styles of the artists.

“Each one has his or her own style; they show impressive expressionism or abstract styling,” he said. “Though they use different materials and expressions, their artworks are surprisingly close in inspiration, drawing on old memories, legends and dreams.”

“They seem to be deeply rooted in an imaginative world. Hence, I took the name of this exhibition as Dreaming,” said Thang.

Pham Dinh Tung’s large paintings on canvas (150 by 350cm) show mysterious scenes that draw on the Garden of Eden and Heaven.

“A blend of coloured lines and the looming figures creates a unique blurring effect,” said the curator. “Because of that, the work is capable of presenting illusory themes.”

Nguyen Hung Cuong is presenting a series of paintings and sculptures of strangers’ faces. Some are people he caught a glace of at random and some are representations of faces he saw in his dreams. His paintings and lacquer on wood relief works show distorted and dream-like faces.

Vu Van Long finds inspiration from women and sexuality. He paints his dreams in both abstract and expressionist styles.

Van Trong shares the same subject with Long, drawing about women and fertility.

Nguyen Tien Quan uses lacquer and expressionism to recall old and fading memories. The blending of colourful layers brings audiences romance and imagination.

Phung Van Tue’s works are a skilful and colourful combination of abstract expressionism and minimalism.

“In my opinion, this is a high quality artistic exhibition that is worth a visit,” said Thang.

The exhibition will run until the end of this month at VICAS Art Studio, 32 Hao Nam Street, Ha Noi. — VNS