Installation exhibition showcases culture of ancient Thang Long Citadel

The Centre for Temple of Literature Cultural and Scientific Activities organises the installation exhibition titled Dau xua van hien (Traces of Ancient Culture) at Thai Học Hall, Temple of Literature.

With the theme of Soi bong Thang Long (Reflection of Thang Long), the exhibition features installation works by nine artists who explore diverse expressions of water linked with the ancient Thang Long Citadel through a contemporary viewpoint.

The installation exhibition “Traces of Ancient Culture” showcases the heritage of Thang Long culture through a contemporary lens

The exhibition introduces visitors to stories involving Vietnamese cultural identity: about the first civilisation to explore the region, water improvement, battles in history linked with national heroes, and river festivities of the Thang Long-Ha Noi region.

The artworks also reinvent historical relics through various periods of Thang Long-Ha Noi region such as the Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, One Pillar Pagoda, Dong Xuan Market and Long Bien Bridge, depicting the unique cultural development of the ancient capital.

The exhibition is divided into eight water-related themes about the Thang Long-Ha Noi region that connect suitably through the contemporary lens.

The work Vu Dieu Thang Long (Thang Long Dance) created with synthetic materials by sculptor Nguyen Truong Giang portrays the rhythm of the flow down the Red River.

Artist Phan Minh Bach created the artwork titled Hoa Song – Song Nuoc No Hoa (Wave Flowers - Flowering Water Waves) including three large-sized silk paintings. The work illustrates the To Lich River, the Dragon symbol of the Ly Dynasty and West Lake through projection technology.

Artist Pham Trung Hung features modern technology in his work titled Mach Nguon (The Source) on the theme of reclamation, cultivation and harvesting. The artist used modern 3D mapping technology but still created a harmonious interaction with the architectural space of Thai Hoc Hall.

According to artist Vu Xuan Dong, he and the other artists spent a long time dividing and curating ideas to deliver a harmonious overall concept for the exhibition.

Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Centre for Temple of Literature Cultural and Scientific Activities, highlighted the exhibition's role in showcasing Vietnamese history and the cultural heritage of Thang Long Citadel through a contemporary lens.

"I hope that the exhibition could promote the Temple of Literature as a potential cultural and artistic space, inspiring artists to create more," he said.

The exhibition will continue until January 2, 2024, at Thai Hoc Hall, Temple of Literature, Ha Noi.

VNS-THANH BINH