In Buddhism, the lotus is the supreme spiritual symbol representing Buddhist values of morality and wisdom. It signifies purity, nobility, clarity, and essence as well as embodies sacred beauty, compassion, loyalty, resilience, and serves as a metaphor for the spirit, identity, and soul of Viet Nam.
The “Lotus in Pure Land” painting by artist Kim Duc is considered a masterpiece in the genre of lotus-themed art. Rendered in delicate oil on canvas, it depicts a stunning and vibrant lotus pond that captures the essence of Vietnamese spirit while breathing new life into modern artistic expression.
The artist masterfully guides viewers into a tranquil realm filled with thousands of blooming lotus flowers, their fragrance awakening a deep sense of reflection and awareness.
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| Painter Kim Duc at a ceremony to present the "Lotus in Pure Land" painting. |
Through the 2025 UN Day of Vesak, the VBS aspires to honour artistic creation rooted in the pure beauty of the lotus, which is an eternal symbol of humanity’s journey toward spiritual enrichment and inner cultivation. It seeks to inspire a unified and harmonious world that thrives in peace and sustainable development, perfectly aligned with the theme of Vesak 2025: “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development.”
Earlier, the “Lotus in Pure Land” painting and several standout pieces by Kim Duc were showcased at numerous cultural and artistic events including the 9th National Buddhist Congress, the lotus art exhibition entitled “Vietnamese lotus 2023 – Pure beauty”, and the Ha Noi Lotus Festival 2024.
The painting was also selected by the VBS, UNESCO Viet Nam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ha Noi Municipal People's Committee as distinguished gifts for both domestic and international delegates attending the 2024 Ha Noi International Film Festival.
Artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc hails from the traditional wood carving village of Chang Son and has harbored a passion for fine arts since a very young age.
She is not only a gifted painter but also the founder of the Buddhist social network Butta.vn, Chairwoman of the Butta Painting Fund, and Director of Hung Vuong Institute for Human Resources and Talent Management.
