» Worker, farmer, solider, repeat? Contemporary art after socialist realism

Talk with Phoebe Scott

Contemporary art is often understood in relation to modernism, and seen as a response to the kind of art that came before it. But what does this mean when, as in the case of Vietnam, much of the art of the modern period was socialist realism? Socialist realism was an art form with its own theories, aesthetics and systems. How does this historical background affect the development of Vietnamese contemporary art, or the way individual artists have approached their practice? This talk with historian, researcher and curator Phoebe Scott will highlight case studies from within Vietnamese contemporary art – including works by Tran Luong, Nguyen Trinh Thi, Nguyen Manh Hung and The Propeller Group – proposing readings of the artworks informed by the history of socialist realism, as well as considering how contemporary art has developed elsewhere in the socialist world.

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Following Nguyen Art Foundation’s main theme in 2023 – Compassion and Community – aside from hosting talks, workshops and tours that revolve around this topic, we are also inviting individuals and collectives that have created, or are part of a community that is passionate about specific art forms. To reflect how community engagement is constantly evolving, we wish to highlight diverse practices that do not shy away from experimentation, and that take an alternative approach to familiar media. The individuals and collectives invited here are inspired by, but also empower their respective communities – a give-and-take that is essential for sustainable community work.

This event is part of a series of public and education programs initiated by Thai Ha, in association with No more, not yet, an exhibition organized by Nguyen Art Foundation.