Entitled "Contrast", the exhibition features memories of the former imperial city of Hue, which is bestowed with a deep history of Vietnamese dynasties, and has been ravaged by time and wars. "The works presented in this display have a special character of their own," commented Suzanne Lecht, director of the Vietnam Art Gallery. "With a sad and quiet style, the artist expresses a respect for time, the deceased, the country and himself."

To convey his emotions, Le Thua Tien employed lacquer in combination with other plastic materials like cloth, sheet silver and incense sticks, which helped create the effects of memories and time.

Painter Le Thua Tien has displayed his paintings in several countries such as the Netherlands and Thailand in 1996, the US in 1998 and 1999, and Japan in 2003. However, this is the first time he has opened an exhibition in Hanoi to introduce his latest works.

Born in Hue City, Mr Tien is currently a lecturer at the Hue Arts College. He achieved Feeman prizes for Asian artists in 1997 and 1998. The painter is going to exhibit his works in Australia and Malaysia by the end of this year.