GATE's young artists at the Hippocampus exhibition. (Photo: baovanhoa.vn)

It took the students nearly two years to finish their works. Each tells a story about aesthetic emotions that they have experienced.

Their works also reflect the techniques and knowledge gained from specialized courses taken during their time at GATE Center.

The paintings encompass a variety of styles and different materials such as oil, lacquer, silk, or even wood and metal.

"I was amazed by the quality of the art works on display which had been created by young artists from grade 9, 10, and 11. They should be encouraged more to pursue a professional art career. I think whether they’ll become artists or not, their souls have been comforted by the arts, and that’s the most important thing," said Vu Bach Lien of Vietnam’s Fine Arts Association.

"I’m very impressed with their talents. At a very young age, it took them only 10 to 20 lessons to learn everything from materials to shaping, sketching and completing their work for this exhibition. They had to be very patient, determined with good apprehension," said painter Nguyen Duong Hai Dang, a GATE Center lecturer.

Memories are the source of inspiration for the young artists to create art work with their own imprint.

The Hippocampus exhibition in Hanoi.

"I have two lacquer paintings at this exhibition called Iris 1 and 2. I chose Iris as it is a symbol for trust and hope. No matter if you’re sad or happy, we should all have hope in the future. I myself experienced a period of sad and lonely time and art has given me a lot of comfort. I can interact with other people through it instead of using language," said Ngo Ngoc Phuong Anh, one of the young artists. 

Another young artist, Pham Ngoc Minh, has shown his love for traditional cultural and historical values in his art works.

"I have a great love for traditional arts. My wood-carving and zinc-engraved works on display feature Vietnam’s lotus flowers which represent the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women. The more difficulties I endured while creating my works, the prouder I am contemplating them," said Minh.     

Hanoian Luu Van Thanh, a  visitor to the exhibition, told VOV: "I found many paintings of very good quality. The young artists have shown their maturity in their thoughts and understanding of life. The way they featured life and nature are very impressive. I’m personally impressed with a zinc-engraved work featuring the shape of a hand. Although it’s small, it vividly reflects the artists’ soul and meticulousness."

This is the first time the students have been given the opportunity to have their own professional exhibition, bringing their work closer to the public. All proceeds from the sales of the paintings will go directly to charity.