Translated in Sino-Vietnamese terms, "Lap Xuan” or “Lichun” in Chinese signifies the beginning of spring, “Lap” or “Li” means beginning and "Xuan" or “Chun” is spring. As the year’s first solar term, the universe enters a new cycle and we lift the curtain of spring to begin a new year. The time of the changing seasons seem to fascinate the minds as it is the re-discovery of all things in nature and landscapes; colors and flavours of the old season fading away for a fresh spring air; and people putting on their best clothes to celebrate the sacred transition of a year's time.
Most importantly, the transition from Winter to Spring marks not only the end of a cycle, but also a meaningful milestone of a new age for each person. According to the folk concepts of Chinese geomantic omen or Feng Shui, Lichun is the first day of alternation for Heaven, Earth and Men that our East Asian culture has always attached great values with to celebrate for a blissful and prosperous new year.
When spring comes, vitality returns to all lives, radiating the beautiful sun and fragrances of blooming flowers. When one thinks of spring, colors fill the flourishing fields and our landscapes turn green. Green is the color of growth and rejuvenation, when the leaves sprout and bear fruit to signal life and youth. Like the embodiment of the green dragon in the painting by artist Dang Xuan Hoa - a symbol of the 2024 dragon year, the exhibition 'Lap Xuan' / ‘Abloom’ encapsulates a poetic passion of a springtime that is both warm and kind. Including notable names of Vietnamese fine arts such as Joseph Inguimberty (1896-1971), Le Nang Hien (1921-2014), Nguyen Ha (1933-2022), Do Xuan Doan (1937-2015) and also later names such as Le Xuan Chieu (1956), Nguyen Van Hai (1968), Nguyen Nghia Cuong (1973), the exhibition 'Lap Xuan' / ‘Abloom’ showcases some of the collection highlights in welcoming the first days of the new year!
