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Inspired by the works of artist Dang Quy Khoa, and driven by a passion for exploring the animal world, Belgian artist Sébastien presents an idea for an ideal space for animals, where they are not confined or imprisoned.
Sébastien Durante has been fascinated with animals since he was a child.
Sharing his vision for this exhibition, Sébastien hopes that animals will take control of their living spaces. He personalizes the image of everyday animals and pets, transforming them into symbols of power, on par with humans.
Familiar images and colors from Vietnamese life are depicted through cups, beer cans, kumquat trees, and sidewalk furniture, all set against a peaceful and tranquil rural backdrop. The essence of Vietnam is further emphasized when the artist himself constructs a bamboo frame symbolizing a room without doors, furnished with small tea tables and chairs covered in ceramic tiles. Bamboo and reed branches are arranged around it, creating a welcoming, rural atmosphere.
A blend of the subtle details of Vietnamese life and the spirit of Southern France.
Create a room without a door, only small bamboo branches arranged around it.
Dragons are a gateway
Sharing his reasons for choosing dragons as the main subject in his artistic creations, Sébastien said: "Dragons are a gateway, but they cannot encompass the entire exhibition. Since I was young, I have been fortunate to travel extensively and have become interested in all cultures and different animal species. As a child, I loved monsters, gargoyles, but I was also afraid to draw them. I love mythology and dinosaurs. However, my interest in art was only sparked by the diversity of dragon species across continents."
The male artist "personified" the dragons in various colors, on ceramic tiles fired in Bat Trang Pottery Village, Hanoi.
In this exhibition, behind the dragon lies the idea of chimera and encompasses other animals. The artist further shared: "For me, the dragon symbolizes nature. Instead of talking about another mythological story like Noah's Ark, the dragon seems more impressive to me. This exhibition is a discourse on animals in general, a project working in Asia and especially in Vietnam, and a symbol of this country: all these elements made me realize that this created an interesting moment for me to immerse myself in the different universes to which the dragon belongs."
"I worked in Hanoi in 2018 during my first visit. I was able to develop my thinking about this Silk Road, from which I noticed the parallel with the European dragon, the devil in Christian times. It's a rich mythological and philosophical perspective. Today's dragon, in this shelter, this hut, this 'dragon house,' I give it some time to rest, a place to meet and share. I think my exhibition is the world's first 'dragon shelter'," Sébastien concluded.
The dragon's image becomes even more unique in this artwork as it's seen drinking beer and singing karaoke.
The A Dragon's Home exhibition is the world's first "dragon sanctuary".
"A dog's home is neither a kennel nor a house."
The title stems from a reflection on the question of animal habitats. Habitat is a way of socializing an animal species, allowing it to integrate into human life. "I am very sad, or even feel barbaric, when I see animals in captivity. When confined in cages, the living conditions of animals become extremely harsh. I believe that 'improvements' to allow animals to live freely are entirely possible, even though this may sound 'very European'. It is from my love of animals that I want to raise awareness," the Belgian artist shared.
In the exhibition, viewers see pets appearing to be playing happily, sitting comfortably on a floor of characteristic square tiles. This image is also an artistic intention of the artist: to create an imaginary cage. Sharing his thoughts on this image, Sébastien said: "The cage, unlike a regular cage, has a more ambiguous status: it is the animal's possession, but it is excluded from the human living space. The domesticated animal is separated from the family, even though it lives within the family."
Here are some images from the exhibition:
A dog's home is neither a kennel nor a house.
An audience member was delighted with the screen artwork.
The artist is engaging in conversation with the audience about their artwork.
The younger audience was impressed with the art installations in the exhibition.
Visitors come to see the exhibition.
The audience chatted about the exhibition.
Regarding the male painter Sébastien Durante:
Sébastien Duranté is a visual artist based in Brussels, Belgium. His works are created using a multitude of materials, resulting in pieces that combine existing artwork with everyday objects – artistic references and everyday subjects. Trained at the École Supérieure des Beaux Arts Montpellier, he views his practice as a field of study and experimentation with different techniques.
Sébastien studied traditional casting techniques in Hanoi in 2018. He draws inspiration from the cultures he has witnessed and experienced during his travels, personalizing the artworks he creates. Thanks to his investment in learning, Sébastien has acquired a solid technical foundation, allowing him to freely create with various materials such as bronze, marble, and even resin to recreate "art," including ancient artifacts and public sculptures of great significance to the public.
