In this special exhibition in Hanoi, international artist Thanh welcomes the New Year 2010 of the Tiger and the celebrations of the capital Thang Long’s 1,000-year history.

With thirty paintings of oil and acrylic on canvas, the artist focuses on the architecture, atmosphere and images of an old tranquil Hanoi in the past as well as the busy city scenes of the present.

During Tet (Lunar New Year), street scenes such as the peach flower markets are bustling with people and movement. Hanoians shopping in preparation for Tet, in the background, the blue sky and drops of sunlight reflect on the pavements. Bamboo blinds hanging from balconies evoke memories and nostalgia of the artist’s childhood. Spring, with its light rain, brings a special colourful atmosphere and awakens nature, people and the city. All this is vividly portrayed in the artist’s paintings with strong brush strokes and streams of resplendent colour.

Three of her paintings on display feature O Quan Chuong, in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District. Thanh says she is mesmerised with the architecture of the historic gate. She has painted over 20 pictures of the site in many shades and from different angles, which reminds us of Monet’s endless inspiration from the Rouen Cathedral.

Thanh is also exhibiting two of her latest explorations of new materials: lacquer in Autumn Festival and marble in Autumn Dream.

During the exhibition that will run until May 16, Thanh will continuously add to her collection to ensure constant excitement.

The paintings are set to go on a world tour when the exhibition ends, visiting countries including the US, France, Spain and Sweden. Through the tour, Van Duong Thanh wants to “show off” her beloved Hanoi and its one-millennium-history to international friends.