Eclectic mix: A corner of the exhibition. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

HA NOI (VNS) — Various artworks ranging from paintings, graphics, video to installation arts are on display at the Young Fine Arts Festival 2014 that opened on Tuesday in Ha Noi.

The exhibition was a chance for young artists across the country to show off their artistic talents, said Vuong Duy Bien, deputy minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, head of the festival's steering board.

Bien also said the event aimed to reinforce the Party and State's support for young artists, who would create cultural pieces for today and tomorrow and contribute to a strong national cultural identity.

"The entries reflect contemporary society seen through the eyes of young artist," said Bien.

"The artists have used different genres of contemporary art. This year, many of them are using new materials that combine graphics, sculpture and installation arts to leave their hallmarks on the works."

On display are 112 works by 100 artists selected from 762 entries created between 2011 and 2014.

A French furniture designer said he appreciated the works displayed at the exhibition.

"Paintings overwhelm the exhibition space," he said. "Other genres including installation arts and sculptures are also impressive."

He said he was most impressed by an installation art titled Binh Yen (Peace) by Tran Thi Nhu Hai. The work, an artificial pond with fanciful light and the sound of insects, reminds visitors of a peaceful countryside.

"I use images of storks searching for food as a metaphor for industrious farmers in the fields," Hai said.

"Vietnamese farmers, despite poverty and hardness, are always in search of a peaceful existence."

During the event, visitors can vote for their favourite artworks. The artworks will be judged by a board of 12 prestigious artists and cultural managers led by Vi Kien Thanh, head of the Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition Department.

Launched for the first time in 2007, the triennial festival helps find and encourage young artists to develop fine arts here and integrate with global contemporary art.

The exhibition will run until September 5 at the Viet Nam University of Fine Arts (VUFA), 42 Yet Kieu Street, Ha Noi.

Artistic diversity

A similar event showcasing a diverse selection of 140 works by 318 artists in the northern Central region has opened to the public in Hue City.

The exhibits feature compelling works incorporating different techniques and materials, including wood and composite sculpture, silk painting, digital printing, placard, oil painting, acrylic painting and baked earth.

During the 10-day exhibition, audiences will also have the chance to see works done by young artists in the region produced using new techniques such as truc chi, gum print and wood print.

According to the chairman of Vietnam Fine Arts Association, painter Tran Khanh Chuong, the exhibition served as a playground for artists in the region to cast fresh eyes on existing topics. The exhibit also offers young artists the chance to network with veterans.

The diverse exhibition has already been a hit with visitors. While Thanh Hoa artists prefer symbolic patriotism, artisans in Quang Binh focus on the sovereignty of Viet Nam over the Paracel and Spratly archipelagoes, said Chuong.

Quang Tri representatives have reflected deeply on the pain of both wars, with the province being one of the toughest frontlines for battle and still grappling with the effects of war, he said, adding that Hue artists focused on the beauty of local culture.

The free exhibition will run until August 30 at the Hue Museum of Culture at 25 Le Loi Street in Hue City. — VNS