The exhibition introduces nearly 80 paintings and installations from 24 young artists graduating from the Faculty of Painting at Vietnam University of Fine Arts under the guidance of artist-curator Nguyen The Son.
Silk is one of the materials used in teaching and composing in the art training environment in Vietnam for nearly a century since the Indochina College of Fine Arts under Indochina University (the predecessor of Vietnam University of Fine Arts) was established. Many generations of teachers and students have experimented with finding unique ways of expression on silk, including painters Nguyen Phan Chanh, Nam Son, Le Van De, Mai Trung Thu, Le Pho, Le Thi Luu, etc. Together, they shape a unique voice for this long-standing traditional material, contributing to enriching the flow of Vietnamese art.
Along with lacquer, silk material itself may have become an art material that unites the traditional spirit of the nation, the Eastern sensibility with the modern shaping aesthetic of the West, becoming an intermediate material that harmonizes the spirit between tradition and modernity.
Through the exhibition The thread of connection, the artists once again expanded and developed the possibilities of expression with silk. The works are not limited to picture frames but radiate with installations combined with lacquer and diversely applied materials, which are improvised with space.
The work “Choi voi” by artist Ngo Nhat Thanh
The work “Am sac” by artist Dang My Linh
About the works on display at the exhibition The thread of connection, Curator Nguyen The Son said: “The images and themes are viewed from many different angles, from art history for a whole period and at particular points in time to the perspective of cultural icons, cultural symbols, and psychology, but at the same time expressing the “specialty” in each creative personality.
In particular, this exhibition has a connection with artisans of Phung Xa silk village, My Duc district, Hanoi. From stories of rare artisans who still grow mulberry and raise silkworms and young painters who work day and night to create and experiment on silk, the viewers will better understand the formation of the work. The artists also added inspiration in their research, connecting their artistic practice with the cultural activities of the traditional craft village.
In addition, the audience can also participate in art tours, chat with curator Nguyen The Son and artists participating in the program.
The exhibition is open for free from August 19 to September 11, 2022 at Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA), B1-R3 Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, 72 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi.
V.C