The Moon-Snow exhibition by artists Thai Tinh and Dinh Hoang Anh takes place from 13/7 to 13/9 in Hanoi. The exhibition space includes paintings, classical musical instruments, and a tea room. Photo: Provided by the organizers

Artist Dinh Hoang Anh plays the Chinese Guzheng at the opening ceremony on 13/7. Video: Khanh Linh

The exhibition's theme originated from a dream of artist Dinh Hoang Anh. She dreamt of visiting a cold, snowy mountain region and encountering an ancient book inscribed with the words of an ancient Zen master: "Wind, flower, cold snow." The dream was interrupted, but upon waking, she distinctly remembered writing two lines of poetry: "Snow shivers and turns to stone/The cold moon drifts for a thousand years." Additionally, according to the artist, the symbol of the "moon" represents the wisdom and clarity valued by those who practice meditation. From this inspiration, the idea of Moon-Snow gradually took shape.

Ink wash painting inscribed with the verse "Snow lulls thousands of realms into a white season/The moon casts cold silk to all skies." Photo: Provided by the organizers

Painter Thai Tinh explains that Zenart originates from the Zen spirit in countries like China and Japan. His paintings have a "Zen quality," not emphasizing aesthetic beauty in form but focusing on capturing the moment the soul returns to reality and the self. Therefore, anyone can practice this art form, as long as they become familiar with the materials and achieve inner stillness.

The verse "Ashes of snow bloom into white dew/Tears of the moon sow flower buds on the stones" expresses poet Dinh Hoang Anh's concept of "snow"—both pure and resilient.

Painting titled "Resting my head against the cold moon/Dry trees await spring." Photo: Provided by the organizers

Painter Thai Tinh has often sung and painted based on poems written by Hoang Anh.

The exhibition attracts those interested in meditation.

The painting "Birdsong opens the door to the wind garden/On empty hands, moonflowers fall."

Most of the works adhere to a pointillist style.

Artwork with the inscription: "The moon lulls thousands of falling leaves/Snow cultivates a fresh garden."

Discussing the significance of empty spaces in ink wash paintings, the two artists explain that it is intentional to create a sense of harmony and balance, while also opening up "silent notes" where the viewer's imagination and contemplation can flourish.

The audience interacts and practices calligraphy with painter Thai Tinh. Photo: Provided by the organizers

Addressing the apprehension some people feel when viewing art, Thai Tinh suggests this stems from the fear of not being able to decipher the artist's message. However, he believes the important thing is not what the artist wants to say, but how each individual freely enjoys and creates meaning for the artwork through their own perception.

Painter Thai Tinh creates ink wash paintings and calligraphy. Photo: Provided by the organizers

Thai Tinh graduated from Hue University of Arts and is currently a freelance artist. Some of his notable exhibitions include: Horizon of the Soul, Poet's Dream, Inner Balance, Oneness, and Shores of Time.

Dinh Hoang Anh, originally a doctor of mathematics, is passionate about literature. To date, she has published several collections of poetry and prose such as: You and I, The Roads, Aspiration, The Rising Sun Field, and Small Spark. During his lifetime, poet Pham Tien Duat highly praised her writing and wrote the introduction for her first poetry collection, Small Spark.

Thai Tinh and Dinh Hoang Anh, husband and wife, often spontaneously create music, poetry, and paintings. The family lives in the suburbs of Hanoi, where they occasionally welcome friends to enjoy art and admire the natural scenery.

Khanh Linh