The exhibition, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification, runs from 13/9 to 9/11 at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. It features 110 artworks from the museum's collection and private collections, including those belonging to the artists' families. Organizers say that amidst global conflict and violence, the event encourages reflection on the world and promotes mutual understanding.
"Vietnam: The Landscape of Memories" is divided into four sections. The first presents works by artists from the Indochina Fine Arts College, including "Young Girl Reading" (1940) by Luong Xuan Nhi, "Playing O An Quan" (1931) by Nguyen Phan Chanh, and "Girl Looking at a Painting of a Beauty" (1938) by To Ngoc Van.
Some of the artworks in the exhibition. Video: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
The second section, "Reality of the Battlefield," depicts the Vietnamese people's solidarity through propaganda paintings. Featured works include "Uncle Ho Visiting the Village" (1958) by Nguyen Khang, "Soldiers Crossing the Bridge" (1973) by Hoang Tich Chu, and "Political Training Class 7/1972" by Vo An Khanh.
The third section showcases Vietnam's development and the transformations across its regions after the war. The fourth section, "Memories," features contemporary art reflecting personal and familial memories of the war.
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"Young Girl Reading." Photo: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum |
"Young Girl Reading." Photo: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
A special section is dedicated to Nguyen Phan Chanh's works restored by the MITANI Cultural Heritage Preservation Fund. Nguyen Phan Chanh (1892-1984), born in Ha Tinh, was a prominent figure in Indochina's art scene and a pioneer of Vietnamese silk painting. He began painting at 33, enrolling as a student in the first class of the Indochina Fine Arts College. He left behind over 170 paintings, including famous pieces like "Playing O An Quan," "Tien Dung and Chu Dong Tu," and "After Guard Duty."
Several of Nguyen Phan Chanh's works were damaged by war and weather. The MITANI Fund's restoration project has preserved paintings such as "Hide and Seek" (1939), "Dragging Rice Seedlings" (1960), "Riding a Cow Across the River" (1967), and "Combating Drought" (1954).
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"Dragging Rice Seedlings" by Nguyen Phan Chanh. Photo: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum |
"Dragging Rice Seedlings" by Nguyen Phan Chanh. Photo: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
In addition to the exhibition, "Vietnam: The Landscape of Memories" includes Vietnamese music and film events. Singer Bao Tram performed a live show on the opening day (13/9). The film "When the Tenth Month Comes" will also be screened during the exhibition in Fukuoka.
The exhibition is scheduled to continue at a museum in Okinawa Prefecture from November to 1/2026.
The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, opened in 1999, systematically collects and exhibits modern and contemporary Asian art. The museum focuses on works with strong personal imprints of artists within the context of dynamic times.
The museum's mission is to connect people with art and culture in the region, promoting cooperation and exchange between Japan and other countries and territories.
Nghinh Xuan
