The other evening, when the invite came I vaguely dumped it in the drawer and forgot about it. When work required me to attend the same reception, then I remembered.
The reception for Vietnam's 64th National Day also saw the Festival of Ullambana and the launch of Yue Lian Kai- Blossoming Viet Nam Padma Exhibition anchored by 4 Vietnamese painters- Dang Phuon Viet, Nguyen Duc Long, Nguyen Quang Duc and Nguyen Thi Nhan.
Since I attended this for both personal and work purposes, I was pleasantly surprised to bump into familiar faces. Which reminds me, sigh, that it's high time I learn Vietnamese. So many years and I've only memorized like 5 phrases. FAIL.
Aside from offering my congratulations for Vietnam's National Day, I was also anxious to gawk at the paintings on display that were the embodiment of Vietnamese culture, traditions and people.
The artists' varied styles were distinctively clear in their paintings which reflect their personal beliefs and thoughts. If you like mandalas, you'll find many of the beautiful intricate paintings on display of significance.
I prefer the paintings of lotus flowers (蓮花). My personal favorite is this one above titled Heaven-covered Earth by Nguyen Thi Nhan. I like her touch and brush strokes on oils. Many of the paintings are available through Ode to Art.
I didn't stay for dinner. I arrived early, had a little bit of quiet to myself, stayed for the formalities, schmoozed a little while more and when the crowd obscured my view of the paintings, it was time to leave. A lovely evening indeed.
2 comments:
So is Vietnam one word or two? just wondering...
cavalock: both i think. outsiders refer to it as one word. within vietnam and their official documents/contracts etc, it's always Viet Nam, Ha Noi, etc etc.
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