Visitors look at a painting at the exhibition in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)DaNang (VNA) – A painting exhibition highlighting the effects of AgentOrange on humans with works by the US’s famous painter David Thomas and the Boston Printmakersopened at Da Nang Arts Museum on April 17.
On display are 70 paintings that have beenarranged in two spaces.
Thefirst space, themed “Finding Parkinsons”, showcase artworks by painterThomas who was born in Portland, Maine, in 1946.
Heis a US war veteran and was the first foreigner to be awarded a "For the culture cause" order in recognition of his contribution to Vietnam’s culture in 1999. In 2010, he was presented an insignia "For the cause of Vietnamese fine arts" by the Vietnam Fine ArtsAssociation.
In2015, Thomas was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease which he believed tobe caused by exposure to Agent Orange during wartime. After seeing X-ray filmsof his brain, he created visual images of the battle with the disease.
Thesecond space displays artworks by 37 members of the Boston Printmakers,intended to promote solidarity and mutual understanding between Vietnamese andUS artists.
Foundedin 1947, the mission of the Boston Printmakers is to promote public knowledgeof graphic paintings and encourage the development of the graphic art.
Theseartworks themed “Peace, Love, and Understanding” will be donated to the Da NangFine Arts Museum after the exhibition closes on April 21.
Inher remarks at the opening, Nguyen Thi Chinh, deputy directorof the museum, said the exhibition aimed to strengthen friendship and international cooperation, creating opportunitiesfor local artists to exchange with foreign peers, especially in the creation of graphicpaintings.
Italso introduced unique, meaningful and works of high artistic value to thepublic, reflecting the severe and persistent consequences caused by AgentOrange to humans, she said./.
