Press Release

Art Exhibition

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum

British Artist John Lester Brings Solo Exhibition of Contemporary Vietnamese Landscapes and Culture to the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum  

HANOI, VIETNAM — The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum is proud to announce ‘Vietnam – A Passion for Discovery’, a solo exhibition by acclaimed UK contemporary artist John Lester. Opening on 9th August, 2026, the exhibition presents a comprehensive body of work that captures the unique harmony, atmosphere, and cultural heritage of Vietnam through a distinctive Western artistic lens.

Following his prominent public art installations at the historic Hanoi and Long Bien Railway Stations for Vietnam Railways, Lester returns to the capital to share his deeply personal, visual dialogue with the country. Featuring an evocative mix of large-scale oil on canvas, vibrant acrylics, and delicate pastels on traditional Vietnamese Dó paper, the collection spans the country’s diverse geography—from the mist-shrouded peaks of Sapa and the sunlit terraces of Pù Luông to the tranquil, timeless waters of Ninh Bình.

Lester’s work goes beyond traditional landscape painting; it acts as a bridge between British artistic sensibilities and Vietnamese cultural history. Fascinated by local heritage, several pieces incorporate the ancient Vietnamese Chữ Nôm script, alongside thematic inspirations drawn directly from masters of Vietnamese modernism—such as Nguyễn Sáng and Huỳnh Văn Gấm—whose historic works are permanently housed within the very museum hosting this exhibition.

"Every painting in this collection represents a conversation between my British artistic background and the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam," says Lester. "As an outsider looking in, I was deeply moved by the harmony between tradition and modernity that defines contemporary Vietnam. Exhibiting these works at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum feels like bringing these stories home, offering my perspective back to the country and people who inspired them."

The exhibition offers local and international audiences an opportunity to view familiar Vietnamese vistas re-imagined through a striking interplay of light, memory, and profound affection (tình cảm) for the land.

Exhibition Information:

• Exhibition Title: Vietnam – A Passion for Discovery

• Artist: John Lester (UK)  

• Venue: Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

• Exhibition Dates: 2nd August – 9th August, 2026  

• Opening Reception: 2nd August at 5:30pm

• Admission: Open to the public

About the Artist:

John Lester is a contemporary visual artist based in the United Kingdom whose work is heavily inspired by his extensive travels and deep emotional connection to Vietnam. Known for his mastery of light and texture, Lester works across oil, acrylic, and charcoal, frequently experimenting with local Vietnamese mediums like Dó paper. His public art projects include a multi-piece permanent installation across Hanoi's major railway hubs in partnership with Vietnam Railways.

Hanoi 2026