 “Five Forms 2”: Exhibition of Vietnamese folklore |
In traditional Vietnamese culture, there are five essential elements in life – Ngũ Sắc (Five Colors) and Ngũ Hình (Five Forms) in visual arts, Ngũ Cung (Five Tones) in music, Ngũ Vị (Five Tastes) in cuisine, and Ngũ Phương (Five Directions) in geography. The exhibition, drawing on this concept, features five shapes characteristic of the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth).
Each shape or form has a distinct meaning: Metal, in the circle form, symbolizes fullness and balance; Wood, in the rectangle or elongated form evokes growth and progression; Water, in the wave or curve form, represents flow and transformation; Fire, in the triangle form, symbolizes energy and passion; and Earth, in the square form, represents stability and sustainability.
 “Five Forms 2”: Exhibition of Vietnamese folklore |
Artist Truong Thinh explained the intended idea of the exhibition: “The word ‘Ngũ’ in Sino-Vietnamese means five. We are five artists, each with a unique visual language and personal life story. Some of the artworks draw on traditional folk tales and ancient heritage; others reflect contemporary art and the realities of modern life.”
The 25 artworks in this exhibition express the artists’ deep feelings about Vietnamese nature, culture, and people. Architect Tran Minh Tuan’s inspiration comes from his deep affection for Hanoi.
Tuan said: “I have a great love for the nature and culture of every region, but because I live and work in Hanoi, it’s my greatest source of inspiration. The moments I depict are meaningful and endearing, not museum relics, but part of everyday life. They are scenes like O Quan Chuong Gate, the banks of the Red River, early mornings sharing tea, and traditional festivals.”
Visitor Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang from Hanoi was particularly moved by the folk-inspired visual storytelling in certain of these artworks.
“Each painting conveys a message. For example, in one, a bamboo tree stretches out horizontally, with a young schoolgirl walking toward its tip where a flag awaits, a symbol of victory. The bamboo looks fragile, as if it might snap at any moment, like someone close to giving up. But with just a few more steps, success is within reach. It’s a reminder that success often comes at the end of a long and challenging journey,” said Trang.
Every form depicted in this exhibition evokes a unique emotional response from the viewer. In doing so, Ngũ Hình 2 gives the viewer a new opportunity to appreciate the enduring beauty of Vietnam’s folk culture, land, and people.