Dinh Q. Le
Dinh Q. Le (1968–2024, Vietnam) was an influential figure in the development of contemporary art in Vietnam; his artistic practice consistently challenged how our memories are recalled with context in contemporary life. Whether he provoked the dominance of film and media in the creation of historical legacy; the confluence of cultural tradition and contemporary tragedy in his woven photographs; the re-placement of everyday urban objects into artistic wonders; or by documenting the un-chronicled stories of those who endured the first helicopter war – what all of these artistic investigations elucidate is a commitment to the artistic process as a means of excavating history, in the uncovering and revealing of alternate ideas of loss and redemption.
After returning to Vietnam and deciding to settle there permanently in 1997, in 2007, he co-founded San Art in HCMC, an artist-led platform committed to providing grassroots support for local and international artists and cultural workers. His notable solo exhibitions and major retrospectives include Dinh Q. Le: Photographing the Thread of Memory, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Paris, France, 2022; Projects 93: Dinh Q. Le, MoMA, New York, NY, USA, 2010–2011; A Tapestry of Memories: The Art of Dinh Q. Le, Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, WA, USA, 2007; and Vietnam: Destination for the New Millenium – The Art of Dinh Q. Le, Asia Society and Museum, New York, NY, USA, 2005. His works were also included in the 1st Asia Society Triennial, NY, USA, 2020-2021; Imagined Borders, 12th Gwangju Biennale, Gwangju, South Korea, 2018; documenta 13, Kassel, Germany, 2012; and the 5th Asia-Pacific Triennial, Brisbane, Australia, 2006. Dinh was the recipient of several awards, including The Prince Claus Fund Award, 2010; Gunk Foundation Public Project Grant, 1998; The Dupont Fellowship, 1994; NEA Fellowship in Photography, 1994; and The Aaron Siskind Fellowship, 1992.
Studio Visit with Dinh Q. Le
In this 25-minute interview video, Dinh Q. Le shares how he interweaves history and art with his personal struggles and exploration of self-discovery. Having migrated to the US at the age of 10 due to the American War in Vietnam, the duality of his identity forms the foundation of his artistic practice. Reflecting on his early works, Dinh addresses the enduring legacy of war, examining its lasting impact and society’s reluctance to confront its aftermath. He then delves into his exploration of refugee history, revealing how he connects with his own story of displacement through the experiences of others. Renowned for his collection of antiques and vintage photographs of life in Saigon pre-1975, Dinh takes viewers on a journey through Vietnamese history, uncovering its buried but unforgettable past as he seeks to “reclaim [his] Vietnamese-ness“.
This video is part of a series of interviews by Nguyễn Art Foundation.