In a celebration of art and history, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is set to unveil the exhibition "Ho Chi Minh in Fine Arts" from May 16 to May 30, 2025. This event commemorates the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth, which falls on May 19, 1890. The exhibition will feature 60 selected artworks from a vast collection showcasing the life and contributions of this iconic figure, drawn from both Vietnamese and international artists.
The showcased pieces will encompass various styles and materials, including paintings, graphics, sculptures, embroidery, paper cuttings, and folk art statues. Each artwork reflects significant moments in Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary career, from his youth and search for national liberation to his interactions with the people and the landscapes that surrounded him.
The exhibition is not merely a tribute to Ho Chi Minh; it also serves as an opportunity for both domestic and international audiences to gain a deeper understanding of his monumental life and legacy. Visitors can explore the artistic interpretations of Ho Chi Minh’s journey, which have been carefully curated to highlight his impact on Vietnam and the world.
In addition to the upcoming exhibition, the Ho Chi Minh Museum has recently seen an increase in visitors, particularly in May, as people flock to learn more about the leader's life and contributions. According to Chu Duc Tinh, former director of the museum, one of the notable pieces on display is the embroidery titled "Tung Hac," which is 80 years old. This artwork measures 0.58 meters in width and 2.05 meters in length, featuring a delicately embroidered crane perched on a pine branch against a yellowish-brown silk background.
Significantly, the embroidery carries the inscription "Best greetings from Ho Chi Minh Oct-1945." This piece was gifted to Colonel Stephen Nordlinger, who was involved in humanitarian efforts for prisoners of war in Vietnam following the August Revolution in 1945. Despite the fledgling state of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at that time, Ho Chi Minh extended his support to Nordlinger, providing him with essential resources to aid the prisoners.
After completing his mission, Colonel Nordlinger returned to the United States, taking the embroidery with him. For nearly six decades, his family treasured the gift, displaying it prominently in their home. On May 13, 2006, Jane Coyle, Nordlinger’s daughter-in-law, represented the family in returning the "Tung Hac" embroidery to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Tinh remarked, "The painting is a gift from Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people to thank the American friends who helped in the fight against hunger. This preservation of the gift by Colonel Nordlinger’s family symbolizes their respect for Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people, embodying the friendship and goodwill that he fostered."
Another significant piece discussed by Tinh is the embroidery of the "One Pillar Pagoda," which Ho Chi Minh gifted to his benefactor, lawyer Francis Henry Loseby. In 1931, during his time as Tong Van So, Ho Chi Minh was arrested by British authorities in Hong Kong. Loseby was hired to defend him, and after a lengthy legal battle, he successfully secured Ho Chi Minh’s release.
In 1959, nearly three decades after their initial connection, Ho Chi Minh sent the "One Pillar Pagoda" embroidery as a token of gratitude to Loseby. The artwork remained a cherished family heirloom until Patricia, Loseby’s only daughter, inherited it. Following her death in January 2001, she requested that her family return the embroidery to the Vietnamese people, leading to its eventual donation to the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
On May 22, 2005, the museum held a solemn ceremony to receive this significant artifact, further solidifying the bond between Ho Chi Minh and his international friends. Tinh emphasized that Ho Chi Minh’s choice of handcrafted embroidery as gifts not only showcased Vietnamese artistry but also served to promote Vietnam’s image abroad. These seemingly simple gifts convey profound meanings, allowing the public to appreciate Ho Chi Minh’s remarkable character.
The upcoming exhibition at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum promises to be a poignant reminder of Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy, highlighting his role as a national hero and cultural icon. With the melding of artistic expression and historical significance, visitors will have the chance to engage with the life of a leader who shaped the course of Vietnam’s history.
As the exhibition approaches, anticipation builds among art enthusiasts and historians alike. The museum, located at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, invites everyone to explore the depths of Ho Chi Minh’s life through the lens of art. This event is not just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
