The opening ceremony of Thien Quang exhibition at the Temple of Literature. (Photo: VOV)

The exhibition features works created using traditional materials such as lacquer, silk, ceramics, and poonah paper, combined with modern techniques and materials like iron, stainless steel, glass, LED lighting, and synthetic materials.

The artworks recreate the development of the craft villages that produce silk, dyed and woven fabrics, votive objects, and other items. The artists have freely explored diverse materials while still retaining tradition in their works.

“When I walked in, I immediately noticed paintings on trays resembling aluminum platters, followed by a loom frame, and a system of hanging lights made of composite materials. It’s creative, very impressive. The art is contemporary, yet retains a traditional quality,” said visitor Nguyen Thi Duyen.

As the exhibition’s theme suggests, light serves as a central element of the open, interactive exhibition space.

“The exhibition is wonderful. The artists have skillfully used shapes and light to create stunning works. I was especially impressed by how the materials were arranged and presented. Each artist presents his or her creativity and unique style,” said visitor Pham Thanh Tuyen.

In this exhibition, the artists tell the story of the sacred illumination of heaven and earth shining upon Thang Long alongside stories about traditional craft villages. Inspired by the virtues of Vietnamese women, symbolized by silk boats and golden cocoons, artists Phan Minh Bach and Ha Pham collaborated on an installation called “Golden Silk Drops”.

“The artwork ‘Golden Silk Drops’ tells a story about mulberry cultivation, sericulture, and silk weaving, and represents the diligence, perseverance, and virtuous qualities of women in ancient times. The artwork is crafted on a boat carrying strips of silk. The boat is a loom made entirely of wood and traditional Vietnamese lacquer crafted by artist Ha Pham. The flow of silk resembles a moonlit silk stream carrying the boat along,” said painter Bach.

Architect and sculptor Nguyen Truong Giang drew inspiration from the robust development of traditional pottery villages to create the artwork ‘Heavenly Lantern’. It is made from 40 small ceramic lanterns arranged in an infinite loop, representing the natural light of the sky and the motion of the universe.

"Vietnam has a tale about a hundred-knot bamboo, which inspired me to create this work, representing growth and the future. The hundred-knot bamboo can grow extremely tall and can be combined with other materials to enhance its story," Giang said.

Thien Quang exhibition attracts many visitors. (Photo: VOV)

In addition to individual works, this year’s exhibition also features collaborative works, including “Thien Quang Well” created by nine artists. The piece drew inspiration from a heritage well inside the Temple of Literature and has the form of a circular lantern with artistic fragments representing Thang Long’s traditional crafts and conveying the significance of light as a symbol of knowledge, culture, and Vietnam's history.

The exhibition honors the craft villages that shaped the 36 guild streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter – the iconic symbol of Thang Long. It also evokes a love for heritage, culture, and history among young people.