A vibrant celebration of Vietnamese creativity is underway at the Fine Arts Exhibition House on 16 Ngô Quyền Street in Hanoi’s Hoàn Kiếm District. Titled Dáng Xuân 2025 – Bắc Nam Hội Tụ (Spring Shape 2025 – North-South Convergence), this ceramics exhibition brings together 50 artists from the Art Ceramics Club and Saigon Fine Arts Ceramics Club, showcasing nearly 200 unique works that blend tradition with contemporary flair.
The exhibition, which opened this week and runs until 22 February, features an array of sculptures, paintings, and functional household items. From meticulously crafted forms to spontaneous, free-spirited designs, the pieces reflect the vitality of spring through bold colours and innovative glazes. For many visitors, it is a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of Vietnamese ceramic art, a medium that has grown in diversity and sophistication over recent years.
Lương Xuân Đoàn, chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, described the event as a “meaningful New Year’s gift” to the public. Speaking at the opening, he noted the remarkable progress made by members of the Art Ceramics Club since its founding five years ago. “Their works have become more varied in shape and style, with new glazes that speak the language of contemporary ceramics,” he said. “This is a positive sign for the future of Vietnamese fine arts.” 
The exhibition’s theme of North-South convergence resonates deeply in a country where regional identities often shape cultural expression. Artists from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, representing Vietnam’s northern and southern artistic hubs, have come together to share techniques, ideas, and passion for their craft. Nguyễn Kim Xuân, chairman of the Art Ceramics Club, emphasised the unity behind the event. “Our members range widely in age and experience, but we are united by a love for ceramics,” he said. “The quality and diversity of the works have improved significantly over the past five years, reflecting both traditional roots and the spirit of modern life.”
Among the standout pieces are vibrant sculptures interwoven with painted panels and practical ceramics, each bearing the personal imprint of its creator. Artist Nguyễn Thu Thủy, the club’s secretary, highlighted the creativity on display. “Viewers can appreciate forms that range from polished and meticulous to raw and expressive, embodying the essence of contemporary art,” she said. The bright hues and dynamic designs evoke the renewal of spring, a fitting theme as Vietnam prepares to celebrate the Lunar New Year’s lingering spirit.
For participating artists, the exhibition offers more than just a platform to display their work. Sculptor Vũ Thế Kim, who has three pieces on show, spoke of the value of connection. “This event allows me to introduce new works to the public and to interact with ceramic artists from across the country,” he said. “Sharing creative experiences and learning from one another is invaluable.”
Beyond the artworks themselves, the exhibition includes a seminar on Vietnamese ceramics scheduled for 21 February. Researchers, sculptors, and artists will gather to discuss the medium’s history, current trends, and future potential. Such discussions are vital for a craft that, while deeply rooted in Vietnam’s cultural heritage, is often overshadowed by more prominent art forms like painting or lacquerware. Ceramics, with their blend of utility and aesthetics, hold a unique place in Vietnamese life, from ancient pottery traditions to modern artistic experimentation.
The event also serves as a reminder of Hanoi’s role as a cultural heart of Vietnam. The Fine Arts Exhibition House, nestled in the historic Hoàn Kiếm District, has long been a venue for showcasing the nation’s artistic talent. For global visitors or those unfamiliar with Vietnam’s art scene, this exhibition offers a window into the country’s contemporary creative landscape, where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony.
As the ceramic works captivate audiences, they underscore a broader narrative of cultural unity and artistic growth. Spring Shape 2025 is not just an exhibition; it is a testament to the enduring passion of Vietnam’s artists and their ability to bridge regional divides through shared creativity. For those in Hanoi, a visit before the show closes on 22 February is a chance to experience this blossoming art form firsthand.
