The exhibition, running from 9/10 to 18/10 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, showcases over 50 sculptures. Crafted from diverse materials like bronze, wood, and stone, these works, created by the artist over many years, depict scenes of daily life. Examples include two children learning to ride a bicycle, a girl blowing balloons, a baby joyfully trying on oversized shoes, and a child pushing their father in a wheelchair.

The work 'I will be the driver, taking father far away'.

Vuong Duy Bien states his preference for creating works inspired by the small, everyday occurrences around him, viewing these as the essence of life. He believes emotion is the most precious element in artistic creation, thus he does not prioritize seeking novel themes or modern art trends.

'I have also created abstract and impressionistic works. However, those were merely temporary, fleeting explorations,' the artist stated. Consequently, he chose to focus on 'small stories' using classical sculptural language.

Several works evoke memories of the subsidy period, a time of state-subsidized economy. For instance, 'Can xep hang trat tu' (Need to Queue in Order) depicts the common sight of people lining up with buckets and basins to collect water from public taps. Another piece, 'Ta uot, giay khong the uot' (We are Wet, Shoes Cannot Be Wet), illustrates a period of hardship when people treasured even the smallest possessions as if they were valuable artifacts.

The work 'Can xep hang trat tu'.

Additionally, Vuong Duy Bien exhibits smaller versions of his large public sculptures, alongside photographs of these monumental works. These larger pieces, installed in public spaces, commemorate famous historical figures and national heroes.

These include the Saint Tran Hung Dao monument located at 3/2 Square in Nam Dinh - Ninh Binh, and on Song Tu Tay island within the Truong Sa archipelago. Other notable works are the 'Soldier's Smile' statue at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the monument to former General Secretary Truong Chinh in Xuan Truong town square, and the President Ho Chi Minh monument in Duong Dong Square, Phu Quoc. The Saint Tran Hung Dao statue previously won first prize in the competition for monument designs honoring Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan.

While Vuong Duy Bien has previously held exhibitions in private venues in suburban Hanoi, this marks his inaugural exhibition at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. His connection to the museum dates back to childhood, as his father, artist Vuong Nhu Chiem, served as its former director. During his student years at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, Vuong Duy Bien's work 'Uncle Ho Reading Newspaper' was acquired and preserved by the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

Exhibition visitors.

Vuong Duy Bien, 68, hails from a family with a strong artistic legacy. A graduate of Hanoi University of Fine Arts, he previously served as Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He was honored with the title Meritorious Artist in 2007 and People's Artist in 2015.

Vuong Duy Bien's works have been featured at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and various international museums. He has also held solo exhibitions in France, Poland, Germany, and Japan. In 2017, the artist presented an exhibition of over 80 paintings and sculptures at a garden house in Soc Son, Hanoi.

News, photos: Hoang Huong