“Intersection” – Vietnam – Philippines Art Exhibition: When painting becomes a cultural bridge.

On the afternoon of October 17, 2025, at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the opening ceremony of the Vietnam - Philippines Fine Arts Exhibition with the theme "Intersection" took place, co-organized by the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi.

Attending the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Vietnam - Mr. Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre; representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, Vietnam Fine Arts Association, along with many painters, researchers, students and art lovers in the capital.

The exhibition is held on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam, marking an important milestone in the process of cultural and artistic cooperation between the two countries, while affirming the role of art as a bridge connecting the friendship between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong expressed his honor to attend this meaningful event and highly appreciated the initiative of the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi in organizing an exhibition imbued with humanity and intelligence. He emphasized:

“With the theme of Intersection, the exhibition has brought about a subtle artistic dialogue between the two cultures. The works not only reflect the rich history and identity of the two countries, but also demonstrate the convergence of like-minded artistic souls. I believe that this exhibition will become a sustainable cultural bridge, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines.”

Ambassador Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre also spoke emotionally, affirming that art is the common language of humanity – a means of communication that transcends all boundaries:

“Art is one of the purest forms of dialogue. It transcends borders and language barriers to connect people. Through colors and images, we share values, beliefs, aspirations and spirits. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, choosing art as the language of connection is deeply meaningful – because it is the bridge that leads us to understanding and harmony.”

The exhibition “Interference” is not only a cultural event, but also an artistic manifesto of dialogue and human connection. Here, art is seen as the purest language of the spirit, beyond political or religious boundaries, to touch the depths of human being.

If diplomacy carries the power of reason and political vision, then fine arts is the bridge of emotions and intuition, where people find understanding through shapes, volumes and tones – a language that transcends all limits of words.

The exhibition introduces 32 works by two artists: Nhat Quy (Vietnam) and Manny Garibay (Philippines) – two seemingly distant art worlds, but meeting at a common point: people are the center of creativity.

Manny Garibay, one of the leading figures in Philippine contemporary art, uses form and bold color to question society. In his paintings, rough human figures contain philosophical depth, expressing critical thinking and humanity in a post-colonial context. Garibay’s works are “visual memories” of identity, faith and aspiration – where spiritual light illuminates the darkness of life.

As for Nhat Quy, coming from Hue – the cradle of Oriental aesthetics, he chose oil painting as a language of silence and inner contemplation. In his paintings, nature and people do not exist separately but permeate each other in layers of soft, deep colors, creating a visual space with a meditative tone. Each color block, each line seems to retain a part of Vietnamese cultural memory – light, deep, and penetrating. The softness in oil painting, restrained composition and introspective color scheme create a very Asian “inner voice” – an expression of inner strength and depth of soul.

The encounter between Garibay and Nhat Quy – on one side is the intensity of expression, on the other side is the stillness of emotion – has created a visual dialogue with philosophical dimensions: “The intersection between movement and stillness, between expression and concealment, between social voice and spiritual voice.”

In the context of globalization, cultural diplomacy has become a subtle way for countries to express their identity and build trust. The exhibition “Interference” is a testament to the increasingly profound role of art in international relations, where images and emotions become messengers.

Through their works, Vietnam and the Philippines not only introduce contemporary art, but also send a message of respect for differences and the desire for mutual development. Here, fine art is not only a personal product, but also a tool of soft power – a symbol of knowledge, identity and humanity.

In the exhibition space, each work is a piece of the ideology of the era. If Garibay questions people in modern society, Nhat Quy dialogues with the people inside himself. That contrast, when placed side by side, creates an aesthetic energy field - where intelligence and emotion interact, opposing yet harmonizing.

“Interference” is therefore not only the meeting of two painting styles, but also the intersection of two ways of thinking: One is outward-looking, reflecting social life, calling for awareness; One is inward-looking, seeking silence, healing and meditation.

These two extremes complement each other, opening up a new discourse of contemporary Asian art, where the artist is not only a painter, but also a creator of meaning for the times in which he lives.

The exhibition does not stop at displaying 32 works, but is an affirmation that art is the most sustainable way for nations to understand and respect each other. When Vietnamese colors blend with Philippine rhythms, it is not just a combination of images, but a blend of memories, identity and humanistic aspirations.

In today's world – where cultural boundaries are blurred – “Interference” is an expression of global intelligence, where painting transcends aesthetics to become spiritual diplomacy, fostering dialogue, understanding and peace.