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"Although the dust of time has obscured all the images and memories, obscuring them amidst the chaotic jumble of emotions in each person, when you gently brush away that dust, everything still seems to be vividly present. Shireen Naziree, a person who dedicated herself wholeheartedly to contemporary Vietnamese art, still seems to be here, within her considerable legacy," shared Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, founder of Blue Gallery and organizer of the exhibition.
The international exhibition "Remembering Curator Shireen Narizee" features 40 works by artists from Southeast Asian countries.
Shireen Naziree, born in 1947, was an independent curator and influential art researcher in Southeast Asia. She dedicated decades to Southeast Asian painting, tirelessly working for its development and international integration, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s, until her sudden death in 2018.
Shireen Narizee (1947 - 2018) was one of the leading art history researchers in Malaysia.
Out of fond memories of the late curator Shireen, the idea of organizing an exhibition bringing together artists who had worked with her was planned shortly after her death. Despite numerous difficulties, particularly the prolonged pandemic, the exhibition has finally been launched, showcasing over 40 paintings by 21 renowned artists from Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Specifically featuring artists: Santi Thongsuk, U Lun Gywe, Jirapat Tatsanasomboon, Aung Kyaw Htet, Le Quang Ha, Duong Thuy Duong, Nguyen Quang Huy, Nguyen Trung, Pham An Hai, Dinh Quan, Thanh Chuong, Trinh Tuan, Cong Kim Hoa, Pham Luan, Dao Hai Phong, Van Duong Thanh, Nguyen Thi Chau Giang, Dinh Y Nhi, Ha Tri Hieu, Hong Viet Dung, Dang Xuan Hoa, and Pham Luan. The exhibition is organized by Blue Gallery, with advisory support from Thavivu Gallery (Thailand).
Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, founder and organizer of the Blue Gallery, gave a speech at the opening ceremony.
These are the artists that Shireen has more or less accompanied and introduced to in the early stages, including artists from Thailand and Myanmar. Among them, two Thai artists, Jirapat Tatsanasomboon and Santi Thongsuk, and two famous Myanmar artists, Aung Kyaw Htet and U Lun Gywe, have now become important contemporary artists in their respective countries.
For Vietnamese artists in particular, this exhibition is not only a remembrance of early works from the Doi Moi (Renovation) period, a tribute to curator Shireen, but also showcases the latest creations of artists she has highly praised. This also demonstrates that Shireen was a curator with a keen eye, not only helping to discover but also contributing to the development of artistic talents at the time. Over time, these artists have continued to make significant contributions to the development of Southeast Asian art.
Painting "Water Reflections" by Cong Kim Hoa
The Deputy Ambassador of Thailand, Ms. Saranya Paleewongse (center), is pictured with artist Jirapat (Thailand) (far left).
"The Artist on the Move" by Thai painter Santi Thongsuk
At the exhibition's opening, Mr. Phan Cam Thuong, Chairman of the Fine Arts Criticism Council of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, stated: "Foreign researchers and critics are very different from those in Vietnam. They are interested in politics and society, and they frankly praise and criticize, creating a different perspective. As Southeast Asian art develops, the role of critics is increasingly important. People like Ms. Shireen Narizee are truly worthy of respect for their significant contributions to Vietnamese painting in particular and Southeast Asian painting in general."
"Women Party 2001" by artist Le Quang Ha
"The Prayer" by Santi Thongsuk
Paintings "Early Winter" (left) and "Intense Memory" (right) by artist Pham An Hai
Shireen Naziree served two terms as a member of the Art Council of the National Museum of Malaysia and as a regular curator for Gallery Petronas in Kuala Lumpur. Her work as an international practice curator has given her close relationships with many leading artists and prestigious figures in Southeast Asian art, as well as interactions with art organizations in Europe. Her writings on art practice, ranging from traditional to contemporary art – with a particular focus on Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam – serve as a bridge connecting the art of these countries and Southeast Asian art to the world.
The exhibition "Celebrating The Curator Shireen Naziree" will take place from July 23rd to July 29th, 2024 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi.
Artist Van Duong Thanh (center) with her artwork "Rhythm"
The artists present at the exhibition
The work "The Sitting Woman 1" by Dinh Y Nhi
The series of silk paintings titled "Our Time," numbers 1 to 3, by Nguyen Thi Chau Giang.
"Camellia Flowers" by artist Nguyen Trung
Visitors come to see the exhibition.
