A painting exhibition titled “ASEAN with Hanoi’s autumn” is being held at the Ho Guom Cultural Information Center, Hoan Kiem district from November 6 to 15 to celebrate the 37th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, to be hosted in the capital city on November 12-15.

This painting exhibition includes two themes: cultural and religious heritages of ASEAN countries and Vietnam with 17 works, and the beauty of Hanoi’s autumn with 29 pictures.

The event is co-organized by the Department of ASEAN Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district, with the participation of Vietnamese artists from the Vietnam Art and Cultural Diplomacy Commission.

The exhibition is also aimed at marking the 75th anniversary of Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Day (November 23). This is an annual event of Vietnam to present the country's cultural beauty to international friends and raising awareness of protecting the cultural heritage of the country.

The artists participating in the exhibition have partially shown the landscape of the country and people of Vietnam, the autumn of Hanoi and the heritage works of ASEAN countries.

Mr. Vu Ho, head of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, told Hanoitimes that Vietnam and other countries are working together to build a peaceful and stable ASEAN community, and to achieve that, mutual understanding through cultural activities, including art exhibitions, is necessary. The event also contributes to the understanding among countries in the bloc.

“Vietnam and other countries are living in the context of the complicated development of COVID-19. This is not an exhibition exclusively for Hanoi or Vietnamese people but for regional citizens to be inspired by the confidence and hope for a better future of the ASEAN community,” he said.

The beauty of Hanoi in the autumn season

That is one of the objectives the exhibition aims at, in addition to inspiring hope and faith in a good future, even for people in countries in challenging circumstances, especially since the impacts of COVID-19 are limiting direct contact between countries. Through the paintings, the artists want to convey the message of rekindling the lost connections between peoples due to COVID-19, Mr. Ho added.

The exhibition attracts the attendance of representatives of ASEAN embassies and diplomats in Hanoi. “We hope through the exhibition, the bond among ASEAN countries will continue to be tightened, contributing to the common development of ASEAN,” said Mr. Pham Tuan Long, chairman of Hoan Kiem district People's Committee.

Some of the paintings showcased at this exhibition will be displayed at the venues of the upcoming 37th ASEAN Summit.