Fifty six contemporary paintings and 156 artistic photos by 12 Japanese artists and one Vietnamese artist are now on display at an exhibition entitled "Thirteen Visions from Japan" which was opened in Hanoi on November 9.

The exhibits, made by eight painters and five photographers, including a Vietnamese painter, are expected to bring a general idea of contemporary painting and photographic art of Japan to visitors.

Most of the paintings on display are oil and acrylic.

The exhibition is held under the initiative of painter Nguyen Dinh Dang, the only Vietnamese painter joining the exhibition. He has been living in Japan for 12 years and working as a physician at the Japan Physics and Chemistry Institute. Painting is his hobby during his free time. His seven oil paintings at the exhibition depict the memory of Vietnam during the past. He has invited Japanese artists to Vietnam to show their works. He said “The styles of artists at the exhibition are far different and this is just a small part of Japanese contemporary art.”

‘Awake Past’, oil painting by Nguyen Dinh Dang.

For the first time photographer Ito Etsuyo has brought photos to exhibit in Vietnam so as she said she was so excited and wondered if her photos were welcomed by Vietnamese viewers. However, she added being both Asians so Japanese and Vietnamese people could share the same opinion about art.

Photographer Nakai Mikio brings to Vietnam 16 black and white photos, as his view on Vietnamese life in different regions. With the name “Vietnamese People’s Life”, his photo collection comprises his most favourite photos which have been taken in the past 10 years through his 13 visits to Vietnam.

A photo by Nakai Mikio.

This is the exhibition with the participation of the largest number of Japanese artists in Vietnam. The exhibition runs until November 14.

By DIEU THUY