Hanoi (VNA) - A collection of 20 paintingsby Vietnamese artist Pham Luan and his Singaporean counterpart Jeffrey Wandlyare being displayed at an exhibition in Hanoi to commemorate the 45th founding anniversaryof diplomatic relations.

The exhibition entitled “Perspectives”, whichopened last week, features the countries’ landscapes through the unique viewsand experiences of the artists.

Luan has a special affinity for Singapore and hasextensively used Singapore’s landmarks and landscapes as inspiration for hispaintings.

“Singapore impressed me from my very first trip tothe country in early 1990s. I’m particularly fascinated with a vibrantSingapore when the lights are lit up,” said Luan.

Luan’s success in depicting the quality of light,both natural and artificial, gives an alluring appeal to each of his works,showing the iconic structures of Marina Bay Sands to the famous Merlion Park,from the lively Clarke Quay to soothing and peaceful Botanic Gardens.

“I have to return to a particular landscapethrough different times of the day to really feel every single detail. WheneverI capture an image in my mind, a potential painting is already created. Asingle sketch of light also needs great attention to make the painting comealive,” the Vietnamese artist said.

Wandly’s fondness for historical Vietnameselandmarks is evident in his works. As a regular visitor to the country, theSingaporean artist is particularly attracted to the unique architecture andstreet scenes of Hanoi and Hoi An cities. Busy streets in the capital city’sOld Quarter including Hang Ma, Hang Luoc and Hang Dau are easily recognisablein his work.  

“What I tried to capture is the essence of Hanoi,the culture, the people, the faces, the things seen every day, especiallythe Tet (Lunar New Year) festival which is very unique,” said theSingaporean artist.

“Hanoi has a strong history, strong culture and alot of historical places, for example Dong Kinh Square, Hoan Kiem Lake and theOpera House,” he added.

His works reflect his sensitivities to theconnections between people and their built environment. For example, paintingsdepicting the streets of Old Quarter provide a vivid view of the busy streetswith motorbikes and street food shops, characterised by plastic chairs whichcan’t be seen elsewhere.

“These are places that I usually walk by, pass byand experience myself. I want to share how I feel, what I see and my impressionof Hanoi.

“I worked on the floor, I poured the ink, bringingin the characters. When it got dry, I put in layers of acrylics so layer afterlayer making it very natural and organic,” he said, pointing to a paintingfeaturing Hang Luoc Street.

“The exhibition showcases the close and vibrantcultural exchanges and people-to-people ties between Singapore and Vietnam, andit is a prime example of how art can bring the people of two countries closertogether,” Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Catherine Wong said.

“In a unique arrangement, the two artists havepainted landmarks and landscape scenes not of their own country, but of each other’scountry. Their paintings reflect their feelings, thoughts, and sense ofattachment to each other’s country.”

The paintings are on display at the CulturalExchange Centre, 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hanoi, until May 27.-VNA