Portraits of Vietnamese Women in War is a selection of works from the collection, depicting the women and the essential roles they played in the independence movement.
Stories abound of women resisting Japanese occupation of Vietnam during WW2, of women helping to repel the French colonial powers up to their decisive defeat in 1954 and later of women’s contribution during the American (or Vietnam) war as combatants, guerrillas, scouts, spies and informants, and as labourers maintaining military supply routes delivering weapons, ammunition, food and medical supplies to the frontlines.
An exhibition of these works was held at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Hanoi between 14 – 28 May 2017, organized by Richard di San Marzano, previously Curator at the Dogma Collection in Ho Chi Minh City, and Linh Huyen, renown singer and tireless advocate for promotion of Vietnamese culture.
The courage, fortitude and determination of the women revealed through these works provides a new perspective on how Vietnam repelled its unwelcome visitors.
