In the warm space of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the colors of the two cultures of Vietnam and the Philippines blend together in the same beat. The vibrant colors mixed with strong brush strokes and quiet oil paintings create a wordless conversation. There, art is not only a creation, but also a bond connecting two peoples through the common language of emotions and understanding.
On October 17, the Embassy of the Philippines in Hanoi in collaboration with the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum opened the exhibition “Intersection: Stories of Harmony from the Flow of Space”. The event was held on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines, displaying 32 works by two artists: Vo Van Quy, stage name Nhat Quy (Vietnam) and Manny Garibay (Philippines).
The exhibition space is a place where art and culture go hand in hand. All together, it highlights the strong bond between the two Southeast Asian nations.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Vietnam, Mr. Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, representatives of embassies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, and a large number of painters, students and art lovers.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Montealegre emphasized:
“Art is one of the purest forms of dialogue – a medium that transcends borders and language barriers, connecting people. Today’s works are not just visual creations, but also narratives in color and emotion – where identity, strength and family are intertwined.”
For Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong, the exhibition is a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy in the new era:
“I believe that this exhibition will be a sustainable cultural bridge, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines.”
Also at the ceremony, Ambassador Montealegre expressed his hope that every audience member entering the art space would recognize “the shadow of history and the vision of peace and prosperity resounding between our two countries”.
If we consider “Giao thoa” as a symphony, then Manny Garibay and Vo Van Quy are two opposite but harmonious notes: one is strong and liberal; the other is deep and contemplative.
Artist Manny Garibay, a representative of contemporary Philippine art, stands out with his bold figurative style. Meanwhile, artist Vo Van Quy chooses calm oil paintings to express inner depth. When placed side by side, their works open up a dialogue between “movement” and “stillness”, between figuration and abstraction – where each stroke is a message from two souls in harmony.
“Chúng tôi đến từ hai miền đất khác nhau Philippines và Việt Nam, nhưng dường như lại cùng chia sẻ một nhịp điệu cảm xúc” họa sĩ Nhất Quý chia sẻ trong phát biểu khai mạc. “Khi tôi nhìn vào tranh của Manny, tôi nhận ra trong đó mối quan tâm dành cho nhân loại, cho xã hội, và cho những điều nhỏ bé nhưng thấm đẫm ý nghĩa. Trong từng nét cọ, tôi nhận ra một hành trình tìm kiếm sự thật – và trong sự thật ấy, tôi nhìn thấy chính mình – cùng chia sẻ niềm tin rằng nghệ thuật có thể làm dịu đi thế giới này”.
It was the similarity in emotions and human spirit that created a natural connection between the two artists. At that time, geographical boundaries seemed to disappear in the common beat of art.
American visitor Vern Alg shared his feelings while visiting the exhibition:
“The cooperation between the two countries is wonderful, and especially the connection at the artist level is even more impressive. I have known Mr. Quy for a long time, but today I had the opportunity to meet artist Manny. His style is excellent, both authentic and touching the soul of the viewer.”
For artist Manny Garibay, “Interchange” is not just an exhibition, but an opportunity to expand creative boundaries:
“There is an interesting contrast between us: my work tends to be figurative, while Quy’s is abstract. The exhibition is like a dialogue between two art forms, and above all, an exchange between two artists from two countries.”
He added about the opportunity to come to Vietnam:
“This time, everything finally fell into place. I have always admired Vietnam, a country with great determination, strong solidarity and a strong will to work towards a common goal.”
Among the colorful paintings, it is not difficult to see young people lingering in front of each painting. They discuss, share and take careful notes as if afraid of missing something.
Thu Hoai, a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, shared:
“I am a student majoring in Southeast Asian Studies, so I am very interested in events that combine Vietnam and other countries in the region. The exhibition 'Interference' helps me learn more and better orient my future research path.”
For audiences like Thu Hoai or young artists, Nhat Quy and Manny especially spend a lot of time welcoming and chatting. Artist Manny Garibay personally considers connecting with young people a priority in his creative journey: “I am always passionate about connecting with young people, because I believe art can help them orient and create meaning for life.”
In these conversations, the distance between artist and viewer almost disappears. Instead, there is an invisible connection when young people find in painting the inspiration to live, to feel and to understand.
From the paintings, “Interaction” opens a space of connection, not only between two artists, two cultures, but also between souls who know how to listen and empathize. As Nhat Quy’s concluding words resound gently and deeply: “Ten years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Philippines can be recorded in numbers, but today, I believe that we are writing a new milestone – a milestone of emotions, of art and of understanding between two peoples who share the same heartbeat”.
