More than 105 watercolors by 19 artists from Ho Chi Minh City are on display for the first time at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, according to Dr. Le Xuan Kieu - Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, Temple of Literature.

The exhibition is an effort to connect southern painters with Hanoi people. Through it, citizens of the capital can see images of southern people and landscapes, he said, adding that it is also a combination of the ancient heritage of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam with contemporary creative activities, as the relics will be turned into a creative space of the capital.

The painting titled "The Old Lady" by painter Dao Van Hoang

Painter Nguyen Trung Tin, Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association in charge of the southern region, said there are very few artists from the southern part of Vietnam to open an exhibition in Hanoi.

"As a 'glimpse of culture', the exhibition aims to show the capital's art lovers the beautiful scenery, wonderful people and modern life of the southern part of the country. Besides, the organizers also want to introduce a kind of 'forgotten' painting material: watercolor," he noted. 

The artists' watercolors depict daily activities, culture, heritage and natural scenery, and show their love for the homeland.

Among them are The Water Descends, Late Day by artist Ho Hung; Saigon in Sunshine, Saigon at Night by artist Doan Quoc; Kon Tum Wooden Church, Emerald Color at the Foot of the Pier by artist Hong Quan; The Wharf of Nghe Canal, Afternoon in Nhon Trach, Thanh Da Canal by artist Do Hieu.

Through the exhibition, new and more vivid views of the southern region are brought to the Hanoi public by 19 artists with many different painting techniques and perspectives.

The young artist Doan Quoc, born in 1996, has been working with watercolors for a long time. The artist brings to the exhibition three large paintings on the theme of Ho Chi Minh City.

"My works capture sunrise and sunset scenes as well as everyday moments of people in Ho Chi Minh City. The viewer can feel the daily changes of Saigon - the most youthful, vibrant and dynamic city in Vietnam," he said.

According to artist Ho Hung, "The pieces in the exhibition represent only a small part of the watercolor painting process. Through the southern theme, we want to convey a lot of affection to the people of Hanoi in particular and the nation as a whole".

Painter Ho Hung also said that there will be many activities in the coming period to introduce watercolor paintings to the public in the capital.

The exhibition will last until May 24.

The Blue Space of the Sea/ Hoang Quan

Kontum Wooden Church/ Hong Quan

Saigon By Night/ Doan Quoc

Sunshine On The Porch/ Doan Quoc

Saigon Sunshine/ Doan Quoc