The "Two of Us" exhibition, showcasing the artistic bond between designer Le Van Ha (Ha Chuoi) and his daughter Le Minh Phuong (Hen), opened at the Exhibition House, 16 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi, on 13/9 and will run until 20/9. The exhibition features over 30 acrylic paintings that not only demonstrate creativity but also reflect family bonds, shared memories, and simple moments in their lives.
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Designer Le Van Ha and his daughter beside their artwork. Photo: NVCC |
Designer Le Van Ha and his daughter beside their artwork. Photo: NVCC
Ha Chuoi explained that the idea for the exhibition originated during the 2020 lockdown. With their lives restricted, they turned to painting as a means of connection and shared expression. "My daughter has loved drawing since she was little, while I hadn't picked up a brush in years. But when she expressed her desire to paint the world around her, I knew I couldn't stay on the sidelines," he shared.
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Hen has been passionate about art and drawing since a young age. Photo: NVCC |
Hen has been passionate about art and drawing since a young age. Photo: NVCC
What began as impromptu painting sessions on the floor evolved into a dedicated artistic pursuit. Some pieces took months, even years, to complete. Each painting tells a story, captured through color and imagination. "Network" reflects anxieties about excessive screen time, depicting a mechanical octopus consuming childhood. "City" emerged from a shared view of the urban landscape, which Hen likened to an ashtray, resulting in a portrayal of the city as a burning coal stove. "Noise" illustrates family tensions, contrasting with "Nurture," a dreamlike vision of a flower-filled forest where children play freely. The exhibition also features many other artworks.
The exhibition's power lies not in technical skill but in the love it embodies. After over five years of painting and revising together, with moments of both joy and frustration, the paintings stand as a testament to their shared artistic growth.
The exhibition is also a gift from father to daughter, commemorating her high school graduation. It's a gift not wrapped in paper or tied with ribbons, but one filled with time, attentiveness, and faith in her future artistic journey.
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"Network" – the first painting they created together, depicts dependence on phones and social media. A mechanical octopus consumes childhood, while cartoon figures symbolize children seeking refuge in the digital world.
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"Noise" portrays family tensions, with children seeking solace in nature.
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"City," inspired by a rooftop view, depicts the urban landscape as a hot coal stove, where small figures huddle precariously.
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"Nurture" portrays a flower-filled forest where children play joyfully, an ideal world of nature, life, and family harmony.
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"Story of Three" depicts everyday conflicts.
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"Happy Birthday" captures a warm birthday celebration.
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"Releasing Turtles" depicts the family releasing turtles into the sea.
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"Flower Dress".
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"Goat King" - a painting Hen made for her father's birthday.
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"Foot Flowers".
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"Rest".
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"Observing".
Le Van Ha, also known as Ha Chuoi, is a creative designer working across various visual art forms. His daughter, Le Minh Phuong (Hen), has been drawing since childhood and participates in numerous creative activities with her family. "Two of Us" marks their first joint public exhibition.
Hai My
