VI
EN
"Loong Koong" is the sound of ceramic pieces colliding, creating a groundbreaking yet distinctly Vietnamese art form, concealing many stories about contemporary Vietnamese culture and society, where conflicts between the past, present, and future, between old and new values, intertwine and coexist." - VCCA.
According to VCCA, ceramics are a widely known traditional material across all human civilizations and have been closely associated with human life throughout history. In recent years, ceramics have been viewed in a completely different light as they have begun to be used to create art, instead of being solely associated with handicrafts as in the past.
The exhibition features 48 ceramic works and is open to the public free of charge from December 8, 2021.
Driven by a deep passion for ceramics and a love for traditional culture, a chance encounter arose between two artists: Trinh Vu Hieu – a "teacher" with extensive experience in restoring traditional culture and recounting historical stories – and Bui Quoc Khanh – a student, a player, and an "excellent" experimenter who breathed life into ceramics, a material with many limitations and fragility, to create vibrant and captivating products.
It's not difficult to find cultural influences and folk materials in the ceramic works displayed at "Loong Koong," although they are crafted in a somewhat more innovative way compared to typical handicrafts. Artist Trinh Vu Hieu brought 32 works to the exhibition, featuring images drawn from familiar themes of Hang Trong paintings and the traditional pottery-making methods of Northern Vietnam. These works tell intimate stories about ancient deities in spiritual life, retold on durable ceramic material, creating a truly unique visual effect.
The artwork "Bodhisattva" by artist Trinh Vu Hieu.
The artwork "Five Venerable Officials" by artist Trinh Vu Hieu.
While Trinh Vu Hieu's work continues to focus on ceramic vases and aesthetics inspired by Hang Trong paintings, Bui Quoc Khanh's work transcends conventional basic forms, particularly with its perfect combination of materials and folk culture. Through his 25 works in the exhibition, Bui Quoc Khanh consistently portrays contemporary figures in a vibrant, even somewhat unconventional way, such as layering details within the artwork, creating interconnected forms, and using contrasting colors to breathe life into the characters and evoke emotions in the viewer.
The artwork by artist Bui Quoc Khanh is inspired by the traditional Vietnamese folk game "to he".
The artwork "Dancer" by artist Bui Quoc Khanh.
The artwork "The Child" by artist Bui Quoc Khanh.
The works of both artists are meticulously crafted and elaborate, yet each creates a distinct mark, reflecting their individual personalities and worldviews. This results in a subtle blend of tradition, transition, and contemporary elements in the two sections.LoongandKoongof the exhibition space.
A representative from the organizing committee stated: "The 'Loong Koong' ceramics exhibition is like a mirror reflecting contemporary Vietnamese society, where the conflicts between past, present, and future, old and new values always coexist, along with the anxieties and concerns about the times. This contrast does not create conflict or disruption; instead, it transforms subtly, delicately, and humorously, with a serene and tranquil attitude."
"Loong Koong" Exhibition
Time: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (weekdays from December 8, 2021 - February 15, 2022)
Location: Vincom Contemporary Art Center (VCCA), B1-R3 Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, 72 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.
Free admission.
