A special exhibition of more than 250 paintings and statues at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is making quite an impression on art enthusiasts and critics.

Nguyen Thanh Chau, secretary general of the Ho Chi Minh City's Fine Arts Association, said the exhibition is the city's largest ever show to celebrate the 58th anniversary of National Day (September 2).

"Visiting the showroom, viewers will be able to feel the atmosphere of the nation on historical events, and will gain a new passion for daily life in contemporary Vietnam," he said.

For the exhibition, 154 young and veteran artists in Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces spent days at "creation camps" held by the association, taking fact-finding tours to attractive sites in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Ben Tre, Phu Quoc, Lam Dong, and at the Truong Son mountain range.

The artists' skillful use of oil, lacquer, water-colour, pottery and wood makes for a lively and brilliant exhibit. "Upon seeing the works, visitors, particularly youngsters who have no experience in fine arts, will understand that art is derived from life and that it brings people around the world together," Chau said.

The series of three pottery statues entitled Nguyen Cau (Prayers), created by Phan Thi Thu Nga in Ho Chi Minh City, is a striking work that portrays a journey of the spirit.

Like many other artists, Nga works through love and creativity. "After tours around Tay Ninh province, I feel very proud of my country's history and culture," she said, adding that her statues emphasise her feelings for Vietnam, a land of love and peace.

The exhibition runs until September 10 at 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1. (VNS)

Reprinted with permission from Nhan Dan Newspaper