Hai Phong fine arts embrace international integration

A convergence of colors

Visitors to the sixth Hai Phong – Gwangju Fine Arts Exchange Exhibition 2026, held at the city Exhibition House in late June, were greeted by a rich diversity of artistic expression. More than 120 paintings, graphic artworks, and sculptures by artists from the two cities offered distinctive perspectives on nature, people, and contemporary life.

Differences in artistic style, materials, and creative approaches created a vibrant exhibition space while highlighting the exchange between the fine arts traditions of Vietnam and South Korea.

This year's exhibition marked the sixth consecutive co-organization between the Hai Phong Fine Arts Association and the Gwangju Branch of the Korea Professional Artists Association since 2021. It was also the third time the event had been hosted in Hai Phong. What began as a professional exchange has evolved into an annual gathering where artists showcase their latest works, exchange expertise, and explore emerging artistic trends.

According to painter and sculptor Nguyen Viet Thang, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong Fine Arts Association, this was the largest exhibition ever organized, with each side presenting around 60 artworks.

Beyond serving art enthusiasts, the exhibition has also strengthened cultural exchanges and deepened the friendship between Hai Phong and Gwangju, as well as between Vietnam and South Korea. Each edition has become a shared gallery where art serves as a universal language, bridging geographical distance and cultural differences.

Hai Phong's fine arts reach the world

The Hai Phong – Gwangju Exhibition represents an important milestone in the city's artistic integration. Over the past decade, Hai Phong's fine arts activities have flourished through dozens of Red River Delta regional exhibitions, group exhibitions, and solo exhibitions held in Hai Phong, Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and many other localities.

Alongside these exhibitions, many Hai Phong artists have organized solo shows, gradually establishing their own distinctive artistic styles. A growing number of their works have been acquired by domestic and international collectors, reflecting the increasing appeal of Hai Phong's fine arts in the art market.

Especially, nearly 10 international exhibitions, including the Hai Phong – Ulsan, Hai Phong – Gwangju, and ASEAN Printmaking exhibitions, have created opportunities for local artists to engage with the international creative environment while bringing contemporary global art closer to audiences in Hai Phong.

Kim Young-hwa, Chairman of the Gwangju Branch of the Korea Professional Artists Association, said that after three exhibitions in Hai Phong, South Korean artists have always appreciated the city's warm hospitality and hope the exchange will continue annually.

Kim also expressed the hope that Hai Phong artists will travel to Gwangju to participate in future exhibitions, allowing them not only to exchange artistic ideas but also to explore the city's culture and history. The association is willing to cooperate with organizations in Gwangju to support Hai Phong artists in participating in future exhibitions, Kim added.

It is clear that Hai Phong's fine arts community is steadily expanding its creative horizons and strengthening its international integration. Each exhibition not only showcases works but also helps promote Hai Phong's image and bring the city's culture closer to international audiences.

HAI ANH