Tiếng Việt
Now, he has returned to HFH to showcase his artwork in the exhibition “Shifting Stillness”. His emotive sketches and oil paintings of Hanoi’s ancient houses bring tranquility to the medical environment and convey his gratitude to those who have supported him along his journey.
The heartwarming return of the young artist
Born with significant disadvantages, every step of Nam Long’s journey has required immense effort from both him and his family. However, from an early age he showed great interest and talent in painting. His Mother recognised his passion, sacrificing time and resources to help cultivate and hone his skills. She accompanied him day-by-day as they fought through physical and mental barriers for him to give wings to his dreams. Alongside her, the compassionate support from those who admired Long’s talent provided him with the opportunities to study, hone his skills, and freely thrive in the world of art.
Touched by the circumstances of Nam Long and his mother, Dr. Vu Hoang Thu, Head of General Internal Medicine, personally supported and called upon benefactors for assistance. This helped the family secure the resources to cover his extensive leg surgery at the hospital. Following his treatment, his legs grew stronger, enabling him to freely explore Hanoi’s streets and find the inspiration that you see on his canvases today.
Nam Long’s artistic journey has continued to grow. He has held solo exhibitions including “Phố xưa hè cũ” (Old Streets, Ancient Pavements) in March 2023 and “Một vài bức tranh mới” (A Few New Paintings) in October 2025. This year, he was admitted to the Graphic Design Department at Hanoi College of Education, further opening the doors of opportunity and promising new creative growth in the future.
Returning to the hospital, at last not for treatment, Nam Long brought along his latest artworks. They were created through a concept shared by him and his mother: to use brushstrokes brimming with his love for life to express gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and all those who supported his steps at HFH.
Hanoi’s Heritage Through a Pure Perspective
At the “Shifting Stillness” showcase, Nam Long presents a collection of sketches and oil paintings, including: Night Sketch of the Museum (Ký họa đêm bảo tàng), Hanoi Street Corner Sketch (Ký họa góc phố Hà Nội), Trang Thi Street Corner Sketch (Ký họa góc phố Tràng Thi), Hanoi University (Đại học Tổng hợp Hà Nội), Windows (Những ô cửa), and Bat Dan Street Corner (Góc phố Bát Đàn).
Under Nam Long’s brush, Hanoi’s architectural heritage emerges both with sharp detail and rich poetic essence. Unable to hear the bustling sounds of the streets, Long perceives life through a refined visual sense. From the morning sunlight casting on a faded window frame and a roadside tea stall, to the time-worn rooftops and the cracks on the walls holding Hanoi’s memories, all are cherished and captured by him with astonishing detail.
Art critics have commended the young artist’s drafting techniques and architectural perspective. Yet, beyond technique, what captivates viewers is the purity of his paintings. His gentle, tranquil color palettes act as a refreshing breeze, bringing a sense of peace and comfort.
The humanistic connection: Where medicine meets art
Nam Long’s talent has long been embraced by the medical team at Hanoi French Hospital.
Dr. Erwan Debuc, General Director and Chief Medical Officer of HFH, along with many doctors at the hospital, have become admirers and collectors of Nam Long’s paintings. His artworks are displayed in their offices or chosen as gifts for family and friends. Nam Long’s paintings and sketches adorn the walls of HFH’s foreign doctors and staff who have completed their tenure in Hanoi too, acting as a portal back to the city they fell in love with. In displaying Nam Long’s work, the hospital also wishes to create further opportunities for the public to discover his art and spread a spirit of empowerment for other artists with disabilities.
Nam Long’s return stands as a testament to the “holistic care” philosophy that the Hanoi French Hospital consistently strives towards. As Dr. Erwan Debuc shared: “Medicine heals the body. Art nourishes the soul. And when these two realms intersect, they contribute to making our lives more human.”
Returning to the place that once cared for him to present artworks filled with emotion, Nam Long has authored a beautiful story of humanity and gratitude. His paintings do not simply beautify the hospital’s spaces; they also instill faith in the power of life itself.
