"Alo 1981" Art Exhibition: A Reunion of 7 Artists Born in 1981

The "Alo 1981" art exhibition brings together a group of seven artists who were all born in the year of the Rooster. They didn't attend the same school, class, or hometown, nor did they grow up together. They also don't use the same materials or artistic language, but they share a passion for art and constantly strive to reinvent themselves.

Seven artists born in 1981, each with their own medium and style, presented their latest works on a glorious late autumn day, as a heartfelt expression and affirmation of their tireless efforts on their artistic journey.

Cuong Chu has been fascinated by landscapes and traditional lacquerware since his student years. His works often depict poetic, pristine, and simple yet captivating and majestic images of nature.

Bui Hoang Duong shared: “Based on the epic story of the Muong people, 'The Creation of the Land and Water,' I separated this series of paintings to depict shamans using spells and incantations in rituals. These are solemn ceremonies such as building new houses, funerals, digging wells, and building kitchens… The symbols used in the paintings are all symbolic of these events. The essence of spells and incantations is not to harm people, but rather to seek peace and safety.”

For Nguyen Duong, the abstract style with its strong colors reflects his thoughts on the identity and life of each individual amidst internal conflicts and choices.

According to Vuong Duy Khoai, the living environment directly affects the lives of humans and all living things: “When I passed by a polluted river with rotting dead fish and fish struggling between life and death, I thought of humanity. Life is so short if we lack awareness and only harbor greed and selfishness… then we are no different from the fish gasping for breath in that dying river.”

Le Minh Duc offers a new experience by exhibiting installations on ceramic materials. He said: "When I finish a piece, it speaks for itself, and at that point, I am also the one appreciating it, thinking about it in a way that is no longer preconceived as it was at the beginning."

As for Nguyen The Hung, he has been practicing and exploring the art of lacquer painting on canvas for many years. He brings forth profound reflections on life: “Have you ever wondered how a tree grows? They are born from seeds floating in the air, in moist soil, they germinate and grow thanks to the warm sunlight, nutrients from the soil and water, day after day, month after month, year after year, they grow and develop with deep roots, a trunk that grows larger with thick branches and layers of flowers and fruits… I paint and develop my paintings over time with my experiences and changes in myself, from emotions to psychology.”

Finally, Pham Tuan Tu said, "Here, flowers bloom, and a new life begins. The essence is fragmented according to the emotions of the seasons; each season brings a different state of change, but it creates the nuances of life. I hope for a season of flowers in life to bloom simultaneously, so that tomorrow will bring a beautiful season for my life."

Additional information

Art exhibition "Alo 1981"

Open from November 25th to November 30th, 2022

Location: Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi

Free entry

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao