Art space in the National Assembly building

Although the National Assembly Building was completed at the end of 2014, with complete architecture and equipment, ensuring all activities of the National Assembly and having art spaces to serve the needs of the public, it is still not really complete. From the idea and direction of National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, the attention and support of Hanoi leaders, the companionship of sponsors and the efforts of 15 artists with more than 100 technical assistants and skilled workers from all over Hanoi, Thai Binh, Thua Thien - Hue, the works of art in the National Assembly tunnel were completed in mid-November 2018.

The works of art are diverse in materials, from traditional lacquer, open graphics to multimedia installations, video-art on silk, relief photography, interactive bronze carving installations, moving iron welding installations... have covered more than 500m long in a large space, designed according to the terrain of the 3 tunnel areas of the National Assembly (small tunnel, large tunnel and garage tunnel).

Inspired by the idea of ​​using a diverse approach to contemporary art forms, the artists used their works as a form of dialogue and reflected their creative views on the values ​​of cultural, artistic and architectural heritage throughout the history of the nation. The works displayed in the National Assembly tunnel have created an ideal art space connecting the two spaces of the Thang Long and Pre-Thang Long Antiquities Museums under the floor of the National Assembly Building. This can be considered an important contemporary art museum in Vietnam, which will be open to the public.

According to the artists, this project was personally directed and closely monitored by the leaders of the National Assembly. Before starting work, the artists were worried because they were afraid that when working with State agencies, there would often be slogans and deep interference in artistic ideas, making it difficult to implement. But contrary to that thinking, the National Assembly Office listened to the opinions of the artists and especially National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, who loves art very much and has helped the artists a lot.

For example, the woodcut “Dien Hong Conference” by artists Pham Khac Quang and Vu Xuan Dong, 1.8m high and 9m long, was originally planned to be displayed in the parking garage of senior state leaders. However, the monumentality of the work moved the National Assembly and the group was asked to move the work to the main hall, to a more luxurious location. However, because the size of the painting was “tailored” for the tunnel space and was connected to the surrounding supporting reliefs, despite receiving such instructions, the artists persisted in persuading. In the end, the National Assembly decided to move the cars of senior leaders to another place, giving the painting a more solemn space. This was surprising and beyond the artists' thinking.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Huy - former Director of the National Assembly Museum said that there has never been a place where the roads leading to the parking lots for cars and motorbikes are displayed with art like in the National Assembly House. Many National Assembly Deputies and visitors who saw these works of art with their own eyes were surprised, affirming that they had never seen such a beautiful basement parking lot. Many people even jokingly said that when they went down to the basement to get their cars, they were so engrossed in admiring the works of art that they forgot to get their cars and go home!

However, this art space and the Archaeological Museum still limit visitors, only accepting visitors in groups with an introduction letter from the agency. Many artists and visitors hope that the National Assembly will soon open its doors to the public so that people have the opportunity to admire this artistic space.

Ha Le