To celebrate the Lunar New Year 2024, a painting exhibition entitled "Drawing the Dragons" will be held at the Temple of Literature from January 20 to February 20 and at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi from January 21 to February 25.

The artwork entitled "Dragon Carving" by artist Duy To. Photos: TiredCity

According to the organizers, the exhibition features 80 dragon-themed works, representing the creative achievements of over 75 young illustrators nationwide.

Through the young artists' perspectives and drawings, the dragon becomes sparkling and impressive and has a unique personality. The exhibition promises to offer creativity lovers and visitors to Hanoi an interesting and entertaining perspective on this sacred animal.

The dragon-themed illustrations are part of the Illustration Challenge #13 project organized by TiredCity and the young artist community Vietnam Local Artist Group (VLAG).

Illustration Challenge #13 is an activity to raise funds to support the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, a charity that rescues and supports street children, children with disabilities, and victims of human trafficking throughout Vietnam.

In addition, the top 13 entries of the challenge were selected to be printed on a New Year's calendar.

A dragon-themed painting by artist Vu Ngoc Thanh.

According to ancient beliefs, dragons are symbolic creatures in Vietnamese folklore and mythology. The Vietnamese people are convinced that they are the descendants of a dragon and a fairy, according to the tale of "Con Rong Chau Tien" or "Children of the Dragon, Grandchildren of the Immortal".

The Vietnamese dragon is the combined image of a crocodile, snake, cat, rat, and bird. Historically, the Vietnamese people lived near rivers, so they worshipped crocodiles as "Giao Long", the prototype of the Vietnamese dragon.

Since then, the dragon has been regarded as a symbol of good fortune, bringing rain - essential for agriculture. It also represents imperial power, prosperity, and the strength of the nation.

An artwork by Dang Thai Tuan.

The painting of dragons and kites by Vu Duc Anh.