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On October 31st, at An Fine Art Gallery, 159 Dong Khoi Street (Ho Chi Minh City), the exhibition "Weaving Light" officially launched to the public. More than just an art display space, it's an experiential journey – where light, materials, and emotions blend into a unique language to speak of the beauty of skin and the beauty of the soul.
When light "weaves" skin and emotions
“Weaving Light” is seen as a metaphor for the relationship between skin and inner self, between tangible matter and intangible emotion. Instead of presenting products or advertising images, the creative team led by architect Nhật Thi and space weaver LAM Weaving Spaces chose to create emotion through light and materials.
Here, "light" is not just a source of illumination, but an invisible material that takes shape—something woven from the emotions and vibrations of the artist. And "weaving" is the act of connection: connection between layers of skin, between injury and recovery, between the individual and themselves.
At the exhibition, architect Lam combined materials and light to "weave" layers of deep emotions within the audience.
“How can light—an invisible thing—be ‘woven’ into emotion?” architect Lam of Lam Weaving Spaces shared, “That journey begins with listening: listening to the message, listening to the materials, and listening to the vibrations within ourselves.”
Drawing from scientific research on the microstructure of the skin, the group of artists "translated" the language of science into the language of art. The dry, withered cells and interwoven collagen structures are recreated using polished stainless steel, holographic paper, traditional Vietnamese dó paper, and stretched fabric. Each material carries a symbolic meaning of belief, vulnerability, and the desire for rebirth.
From the darkness of "Being" to the light of "Resurrection"
The first space in the exhibition – "Being" – is the starting point of the emotional journey. Here, viewers enter a somber setting where the light is dim, the sounds are faint, and the space is modeled after cracked surface cells sculpted from traditional Vietnamese dó paper. This image speaks not only of dry, withered skin but also serves as a metaphor for the cracks in the soul, the wounds, doubts, and brokenness that everyone has experienced. The sounds are faint, the light flickers, and the space seems to encapsulate the thoughts that people always keep hidden.
The image of "cracked" skin surface in the first space evokes the deep cracks in the soul.
Stepping inside, the surface of the skin begins to connect with the deeper layers—where collagen cells are simulated by gleaming metal rods, reflecting light in constant motion. From every angle, these "cells" flash and then fade, reflecting the layers of human emotion. This effect makes the space seem to breathe, revealing the depths of the soul where joy and sorrow, happiness and loneliness intertwine.
There, viewers are invited to confront and reflect on themselves, rather than avoiding their flaws or trying to cover up their wounds with outer layers. Only by daring to look directly at those imperfections can we find our whole selves and realize that deep within, small joys still exist, like rays of hope peeking through the darkness.
Light filters through the multicolored holographic collagen, reflecting vibrant patches of color onto the wall—both delicate and full of life. It's the moment when light begins to emerge from layers of silent darkness, heralding the revival of emotions.
Those holographic strands, carrying a glimmer of hope, stretched through the dark corridor, leading viewers into the official space of "Weaving Light"—where the scene bursts forth magically, filled with a pure light, as if affirming that after suffering, humanity can still be reborn and shine.
Here, light and matter blend: shimmering holographic fibers combine with transparent air bubbles symbolizing collagen—the component that helps skin elasticity and recovery from damage. The room glows brightly, a symbol of hope and life, where the soul finds pure joy.
If darkness is the depths within which humanity reflects its inner self, then light is the reward for that courage. The transition between these two spaces is a subtle metaphor for the human journey from trauma to healing.
Air cushions and collagen fibers help restore the skin and heal deep-seated damage, creating a brighter complexion.
The origin of life - when salt becomes memory
The emotional journey concludes in the third dimension – the origin of life. Here, all matter returns to its roots: water and salt. Water – colorless, odorless, tasteless, like the primordial essence of a human being at birth. But as water flows through life, it absorbs flavor and energy, becoming unique, just as humans become themselves after layers of emotional experience.
In that room, light reflected off the transparent salt crystals, making them sparkle like memories distilled after a long journey. In Vietnamese and Japanese culture, salt also symbolizes purification and enlightenment, a substance carrying positive energy that helps balance and regenerate. Therefore, "the origin of life" is like the crystallization of the two preceding spaces: from injury to rebirth, from darkness to brilliance.
At the heart of the "Origin of Life" space, and also the end point of the "Weaving Light" journey, is salt—the crystallization of life.
“Weaving Light” is more than just an art exhibition. It’s a journey of self-reflection, where each person is invited to look back at their own skin, body, and soul. Through the language of light, materials, and sound, the exhibition prompts a profound question: Do we truly listen to our bodies and emotions, or are we merely seeking external beauty?
Amidst the reflected colors and shimmering light, viewers leave the exhibition with a sense of relief. Not because they have fully understood the artist's concept, but because, in a certain moment, they have seen themselves – fragile, vulnerable, yet also full of light.
