Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - An exhibition of more than 100 sketches opened in Hanoion June 16, giving a new perspective on sketching.

With the title Sketch , theexhibition features sketches which meet the standards of a completedartwork though they were created in a short time with several strokes.

The exhibition gathers nine artists at different ages, namely Chu Thao, Doan HoangLam, Duong Tuan, Khong Do Duy, Hai Kien, Nguyen Minh Tu, Doan Duc Hung, TrinhQue Anh and Nguyen Minh, and collector Phong Le who owns many sketches by lateartist Luu Cong Nhan.

“Sketches are considered the first version of completed works of art, thematerial and foundation to build the artworks,” said painter Nguyen Minh.

However, sketches also reflect the precious moment and inspiration of theartists. They can be artworks if they meet criteria of fine arts in structure,colours, idea and emotion.”

In various materials such as water colours, Chinese ink, acrylic on canvas, oilon canvas, mixed media on cardboard boxes and old newspaper, the sketches atthe exhibition reflect the improvisation and creativity of the artists. Theydepict various themes such as nude art, still life, portrait, street lifeand landscape.

The exhibition also showcases sketches of soldiers on Truong Son Mountain Rangeand southwestern battlefield by painter Chu Thao, who joined the liberationarmy in 1968.

“The war didn’t give me any second to hesitate, I quickly sketched the facesand activities of the soldiers and people I met in the Mekong Delta,” said Thao.

“Once I had some minutes to sketch a soldier, not enough time to ask his name,one day later, when I returned to his tent, his comrades told me that he diedin the bombing. Each sketch displayed at the exhibition is very precious to me.”

The exhibition will run through June 19 at Exhibition House, 29 Hang Bai street,Hanoi./.