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For the first time, three renowned veteran artists from Hanoi – painter Le Thiet Cuong, sculptor Dinh Cong Dat, and writer Nguyen Viet Ha – have collaborated on an exhibition titled "Otherwise." Three faces, three personalities, three professions, three forms of expression of the "old quarter" residents create layers of masks: the streetscape, the temple, the market. But they all share a common love for the place where they were born, raised, and continue to nurture them – Hanoi's Old Quarter.
The three artists of the "Other Side" exhibition (from left to right): writer Nguyen Viet Ha, sculptor Dinh Cong Dat, and painter Le Thiet Cuong.
The "Other Side" exhibition is not simply a collection of artworks, but a larger picture of the vibrancy and elegance of the capital city.
"On the other hand," the exhibition displays over 150 sculpted masks made from traditional materials such as ceramics, gold, and papier-mâché, each piece bearing the distinct cultural imprint of Hanoi, revolving around stories of streets, temples, and markets. These masks are sculpted by sculptor Dinh Cong Dat, based on the faces of three artists, reflecting the shared artistic language of all three.
The use of classic phrases, names of old streets, or traditional patterns on masks are familiar techniques for conveying messages, creating deep connections, and honoring the city's historical values. Through the exhibition, they want to show that the sophistication and beauty of Hanoi will endure forever. Although pursuing their own artistic paths, all three share a deep love for Hanoi. That is what has bound them together for the past three decades.
Nguyen Viet Ha chose "Streetscape" from his love for Hanoi's alleyways, which are an endless source of inspiration for his literature.
Le Thiet Cuong chose "Temple Face," stemming from his close connection with Buddhism and its faith.
As for Dinh Cong Dat, he chose "Market Street" - referring to someone who grew up amidst the markets of Hanoi.
All three artists are "old-timers" of Hanoi, expressing their love for the city through three different forms, yet encompassing a wide range of aspects: from urban heritage to beliefs, crafts, architecture, and cuisine.
From a mask-like face, artist Le Thiet Cuong (near the temple - opposite Ly Quoc Su Temple) paints and writes Buddhist scriptures, Zen poems from the Ly-Tran dynasties, and some verses from Nguyen Du's sutras on it, calling it "the temple face." This stems from his close relationship with Buddhism – a faith that has profoundly influenced his artistic style and personality, resulting in works imbued with Buddhist philosophy and a sense of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
Writer Nguyen Viet Ha expresses his favorite sayings through "street scenes": "No one in the Old Quarter would go around Hoan Kiem Lake to confess their love," "The best and most unique Hanoi delicacies are still those from street vendors"... For him, the masks depicted are not just faces but also pieces of life in Hanoi's streets.
150 masks were created by sculptor Dinh Cong Dat, with the main models being the faces of the three artists featured in this project.
Meanwhile, sculptor Dinh Cong Dat expresses the "market scene" through colors, patterns, and motifs from familiar streets, markets, and dishes, telling stories of street food that encapsulate the essence of Hanoi's Old Quarter: boiled snails, vermicelli soup from Cho Gao market, pork offal from Cho Gao market, sticky rice with mung beans, sticky rice with chicken from Bat Dan... Having grown up amidst Hanoi's markets, he brings the hustle and bustle of the old markets into his works, as a way to evoke the familiar and chaotic atmosphere of the Old Quarter.
"On the Other Side" offers viewers a sense of connection through a synthesis of traditional approaches and messages, where three artists have created an exhibition where each work celebrates the old values of Hanoi. For them, Hanoi is not just a place with beautiful landmarks and architecture, but also a profound and multifaceted cultural world, containing values that cannot fade with time. This exhibition is a deep tribute and a vivid testament from the three artists that this city has nurtured their growth.
The mask artworks are made from papier-mâché, ceramics, and feature traditional patterns, street names, market names, scriptures, and literary passages.
What makes the "Other Side" exhibition special is that it not only showcases the beauty of life through art but also conveys humanistic values and connects the community. Accordingly, all proceeds from the sale of artworks during the exhibition will be donated by the three artists to share the difficulties and losses with their compatriots after Typhoon Yagi.
The "Other Side" exhibition will take place from September 13th to October 11th, 2024, at the Guangdong Assembly Hall, 22 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Hanoi is not just its streets and architectural structures, but also the soul of the people who have lived and continue to live here.
The "Other Side" exhibition will take place from September 13th to October 11th, 2024.
