TF1 TV channel - the most prestigious TV channel in France also honored the Hanoia brand and the story of its founder as a typical example of success with traditional art in Vietnam.
In recent days, the ABC channel system (channels 6, 7, 8), NBC, Fox, Cnet (Cnet Japan, major news agencies such as AFP (AFP BB Japan), AAP, Yonhap, Kyodo News... and electronic news sites such as Yahoo, Naver, Nate, Sina... have all simultaneously reported on the first contemporary work of Southeast Asia to be included by art appraisers in the massive collection of the prestigious Guimet Museum. That is "Borderline" - an exclusive collaboration between two names: Hanoia and Yen Khe.
“Borderline” is a work that looks to the future of Asia, developed based on an imaginary quatrain where cultural tradition meets contemporary spirit. On the conical shape of the Conical Hat, a traditional Vietnamese costume, a brilliant floral motif blends uniquely on a lacquer background, behind which a hemp painting is hidden in gold leaf. The vibrant red-orange colors recall the ancient architecture of pagodas and the current vibrancy of Vietnamese society. A powerful symbol where mystery meets reality, primitive nature confronts border disputes. “Borderline” represents the vitality and quintessence of Vietnamese craftsmanship in a contemporary view.
"Boundary"
For Yen Khe and Hanoia, “Borderline” was a difficult but very proud collaboration. The difficulty was that Yen Khe had never researched lacquer materials and Hanoia had never been familiar with the artist’s design style before. But it was also very proud because this seemingly spontaneous collaboration was serious and perfect in every detail, fully demonstrating Yen Khe’s intense creativity and Hanoia’s skillful craftsmanship.
One of the biggest challenges of “Borderline” was how to fully express this contemporary spirit on lacquer material, and Hanoia craftsmen contributed significantly. Mr. Ty, the master craftsman of Hanoia lacquer workshop, said: “To turn the design drawings into reality, we had to research, mix and experiment for months. From finding the perfect color tone to the stage of inlaying gold floral motifs on two lacquer blocks, not every craftsman can handle it. Without love and passion, contemporary art will forever remain on the drawing board.”
