Illuminated calligraphy artworks exhibited at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature

This event is being held in celebration of National Day and to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital.

According to Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities at the Temple of Literature, Dr Le Xuan Kieu, the displayed calligraphy works not only embody traditional beauty and awaken modern aesthetic sensibilities, but also enhance public awareness, encouraging a greater appreciation of the role and value of calligraphy.

The themes of the calligraphy works are inspired by the poetry and literature written in Nom (Vietnamese ideographic script) and quoc ngu (national romanised Vietnamese script) by historical and literary figures, such as Nguyen Trai, Le Thanh Tong, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nguyen Du and Ho Chi Minh. All of them are closely associated with the history of the city and have made contributions to the Temple of Literature.

A total of around 800 large and small artworks have been arranged, decorated, and displayed in modules at various locations, prepared over a span of four months.

All of them are illuminated from within, creating a unique viewing and sensory experience for the audience to appreciate the art. The lighting brings a new dimension to the intricacies of each character, brushstroke and ink mark.

Viewers can clearly perceive and appreciate the beauty of the ink on each page in a more direct and visual manner.

The small artworks on the ground, along with the modules running around the display space, symbolise the connection between the works, the authors and the three regions of South, Central, and North Vietnam. They also represent a connection to the community and the public within a space filled with calligraphy, light and words.

The exhibition curator is calligrapher and seal engraver Xuan Nhu, who teaches Han (Chinese scripts) - Nom calligraphy. He has previously curated several calligraphy exhibitions at the Temple of Literature, as well as spring calligraphy events.

"Han and Nom scripts are used to contribute to the cultural and historical depth of the nation, while quoc ngu today serves as the tool to continue writing those chapters. Quoc ngu and quoc ngu calligraphy represent a new touch that we wish to convey and share with everyone in this exhibition," he explained.

The organisers hope the exhibition will continue to promote the Temple of Literature as an important and meaningful destination, recognised for its premier value in hosting calligraphy exhibitions.

The calligraphy exhibition will run until September 25.