An oil painting exhibition opened in Hanoi on December 16,showcasing more than 30 portraits of Vietnamese poets and writers by USwar veteran Kevin Bowen.

Entitled “A face of history”, the event is open to the public until December 18.

Poet and President of the Vietnamese Writers’ Association Huu Thinhsaid that the exhibition reflects the heart and sentiment of the USpoet and painter towards his Vietnamese colleagues and the country’sliterature, and helps boost cooperation between the two writers’associations.

Bowen said that the portraits arehis way of honouring Vietnamese artists who have helped him improve hisunderstanding of the war in Vietnam .

As aUS veteran of the war in Vietnam , Bowen has come back to thecountry several times to participate in activities to strengthen thepeace and friendship between the two nations.

Asa poet, writer and painter, he has also canvassed US politicians andpeople to support Vietnam , and contributed to the normalisation ofthe two countries’ relationship.

On thisoccasion, the Vietnamese Writers’ Association also held a meetingbetween Bowen and other renowned Vietnamese and US artists.-VNA