» INTERVIEW

In the first half of this interview, Tran Thi Huynh Nga recounts the social context and the establishment of Blue Space in the 1990s, when there were no art spaces in HCMC. With determination and a pioneering spirit, she reshaped the art organization landscape in Vietnam through cross-border exhibitions. These endeavors brought Vietnamese artworks to the international stage, welcomed the world to Saigon, and brought audiences closer to the artists. Blue Space became a support system for the young artists of that time, providing them with a space for gathering, exchange, and a spiritual foundation, enabling them to focus on their artistic creations.

In the second part of the interview, Ms. Nga reflects on her deep and devoted journey with the late artist/husband Tran Trung Tin, one of the most extraordinary and profoundly talented figures in Vietnamese art. Despite never receiving formal art training, Tran Trung Tin seemed to surpass his generation, finding his unique visual language, freedom of expression, and enduring relevance. 

In this interview, Bui Hai Son explores the journey of shaping and expanding his sculptural language through experiences related to identity, homeland, memory, symbolism, and materials. For Bui Hai Son, sculpture is not only a harmonization of form, matter, and space but also carries the potential to become a socially inclusive practice. This belief has enabled the artist to sustain his career over several decades, collaborating with diverse artisans and forging connections between sculpture, architecture, and light. Using the imagery of rice grains as a visual thread throughout his works, Bui Hai Son believes that interdisciplinary and multi-material connections form the foundation for sculpture that resonates with the flow of contemporary art while also paying homage to local cultural heritage.

In this interview, Le Quoc Thanh reflects on the distinctive spontaneousness in his artworks as a result of the accumulated experiences from his everyday activities: from learning carpentry and sewing clothes for his family as a child to taking care of plants and his own children after getting married. Recalling his unique educational journey, Quoc Thanh demonstrates his ability for self-learn and profound introspection throughout his artistic practice. Creating art is always a daily self-reflection process for him, both as an artist and as an observer, which drives the harmonious blending of his astute perspective with the gentle and refined strokes of his own brush.

In this interview video, Nguyen Trung discusses how art weaves through the confines of history and eras defined after the fact. Reflecting on his challenging journeys abroad and historic work with the Fine Arts Magazine and Group of Ten within the turbulent art scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Nguyen Trung demonstrates his incredible flexibility in maneuvering between the political regime and art market, between ideals and reality, which has now become a necessary strategy for the Vietnamese contemporary art scene. He resists attempts to frame his practice within specific movements or genres, and instead nurtures his “inner child’s thirst for continuous exploration and transformation”.

In this video interview, Tuan Andrew Nguyen reflects on his varied body of work, and the integral role that collaboration plays in his artistic practice. Working primarily with communities and sites that have undergone trauma, Tuan Andrew looks to storytelling and object-making as strategies to resist erasure and retain memory. Walking through past and current projects, Tuan Andrew rethinks memory, not as a bygone relic, but as something that is always present in the objects we make, the tales we pass on, and the land we inhabit.

In this 22-minute video interview, Truong Cong Tung discusses the role of nature, time, and the process of organic decay as factors beyond human control that add to the life of his art. For this child of the Central Highlands, such materials are more than just the means to an end: Cong Tung is interested in how matters speak, transform, and share intangible bonds with humans. Through the metaphor of the garden (as seen in both his artworks and the way he practices and cultivates as an artist), Cong Tung highlights the transformative capacity that exists within every being, and encourages us to re-discover our internal ecosystem.

In this interview, Thao Nguyen Phan expresses the desire to construct fictional yet genuine narratives that have the power to combine and convey her various passions in art, history, literature and ecology. Ambience, form, color and rhythm – across her usage of different mediums and materials, Thao Nguyen seeks to create such “emotional impressions” in her storytelling, both as a way to connect and bring to light obscure or displaced historical information, and an attempt to find her own perspective and go beyond mainstream discourses.

In this 23-minute video interview, Do Hoang Tuong reflects on his artistic transition from abstract to figurative painting, touching on themes of urban injustice, personal angst and psychological anxiety. The artist discusses his involvement with the Group of Ten, his fascination with unconventional ideas of beauty, and his alternative occupation as an illustrator, offering a closer glimpse into his life as well as artistic journey.

In this video interview, Phan Quang shares his transition from documentary to conceptual photography – a medium that has liberated him from prior barriers and allowed for a more genuine way of expressing personal viewpoints. Walking through notable projects, the artist discusses his use of popular symbols and ordinary materials to elicit thoughts on social limitations, the ability of historical narratives to transform, and the resistant life of suppressed communities.

In this 25-minute video interview, Nguyen Manh Hung reflects on familial ties, cross-generational post-war memory, Charlie Chaplin and Buddhism as inspirations behind his practice. Discussing his love of bringing together Surrealism and satire to produce social critique, Hung walks us through several examples of his past and current works, while also addressing humanity’s lust for power and possessions, as well as our disregard of the non-human world as contributing factors to the decline of our morality and ethics.

In this 35-minute video interview, Tuan Mami discusses the memory of objects, what it means to co-exist, and what he calls the “gene of time” – all of which have been crucial in inspiring, furthering and transforming his artistic practice. Reflecting on the importance of interaction and exchange in both the production and display of his works, Tuan Mami talks about fusing performance art with other mediums, as well as his recent projects whereby art becomes a means to generate a sense of community and interpersonal connections.

Although anthropology was one of the side subjects to Nguyen Trinh Thi’s academic journey, it was important in her transition to filmmaking. In this 30-minute video interview, the artist digs deeper into various aspects of her renowned work Letters from Panduranga (amongst others), elaborating on fundamental issues of power, representation, chance, and “the gaze” in filmmaking.

For Ha Manh Thang, his art practice is a seamless thread that links the artist with his heritage and surrounding landscape. In this 20-minute video interview, the artist thinks about time and space, the visible scenery and the landscape of our imagination, the transition from figurative representation to abstraction, the presence of craftsmanship in Southeast Asian arts. This contemplative process influences his artwork, which is seen as a tangible reflection of the cycle of life.

In this 23-minute video interview, Lap Phuong shares her journey of becoming a sculptor, the inspirations behind her art, and the rare moments of pleasure she comes across during her artistic experimentation. Maneuvering through the spatial conditions surrounding her works, as well as the self-imposed challenge to harmonize various internal and external elements involved, the artist also talks about the state of being “crystalized” in relation to her artmaking development.

In this 22-minute video, Nguyen Kim Thai reflects on the challenging journey she undertook while studying to become an artist during wartime, and later while practicing as one of Vietnam’s few female artists during the Doi Moi period. She also discusses the power of acceptance and staying true to oneself, and how society’s perception of her nude paintings has changed over the years due to her persistence.

In this interview, Doan Xuan Tang shares his endless inspirations drawn from the mountainous landscapes and ways of life of the ethic minorities living in Northwest Vietnam. The recent changes in Tang’s artworks, reflected in his abstract paintings on large canvases with minimalist color palettes, parallel his considerations  of the rapid transformations and struggles for survival in the Highlands. Alongside insights into his preferred medium of oil painting, the Vietnamese art scene, and the impact of the pandemic, the artist also reveals glimpses of his new sources of inspiration and ongoing projects. 

Coming to this interview, Doan Hoang Lam opens up about his unique artistic journey, shaped by a childhood immersed in the world of theater. Transitioning from stage design to painting, Lam’s artworks mirror the complex and instinctual emotions of an artist. With a flexible use of materials and various painting techniques, Lam’s visual language is distinguished by its unique style and vibrant colors. The artist also discusses public reception to his nude paintings, as well as provide insight into his future projects. 

In this interview, Ha Ninh Pham invites viewers into the enchanting realm of his imagination, where maps, myths, and video games serve as gateways to surreal and expansive universes. His artistic journey is a profound exploration of identity and origins, where art and the transformative power of his artistic education have helped him overcome the sense of displacement that often accompanies life as an artist living and working abroad. Join us in stepping into Ha Ninh’s world, leaving behind our preconceptions of what constitutes reality.  

Born amidst the misty mountains of Lai Chau, Dinh Thi Tham Poong’s artistic journey is a unique personal odyssey. From sculptures made in her college days to watercolor paintings on dó paper, it has evolved into a distinctive artistic language. Tham Poong’s practice is a testament to her profound connection with the natural world and the spirit of the H’mong people. In this interview, Tham Poong shares how her homeland, family memories, and her father’s love of books have shaped her work, as well as indelible impressions left by the artists she encountered in her youth. In Tham Poong’s art, viewers are invited into a world where ordinary beauty transforms into something extraordinary. 

In this 15-minute video, Nguyen Quang Huy talks about his early practice filled with a sense of individualism and experimentations with various art forms. His monochromatic blue portraits of women, as well as the Buddhist inspirations for his enigmatic paintings on dó paper are also discussed in depth, all of which speak to Huy’s sensitivity to beauty captured by the camera and his search to find inner balance and visualize it through tangible form. In addition, the artist also shares his personal stance on so-called Hanoi Triad – a group of artists comprising Huy himself, Nguyen Van Cuong, and Nguyen Minh Thanh – and experiences at Nha San – a hugely important alternative art space that has helped shape his practice. 

This interview features a 15-minute discussion with Nguyen Kim Duy on the influence of language and his German education on his artistic practice. Duy emphasizes his use of everyday materials and common media that privileges accessibility for a wider local audience. His creative process is exemplified by works like Abstraction (from the collection of Nguyễn Art Foundation), which incorporates 10,000 characters alongside an older generation TV screen. The interview concludes with Duy expressing his commitment to promoting Vietnamese culture and art through both education and publishing initiatives. 

This interview features a candid discussion with Pham An Hai on his artistic evolution. Hai expands on his shift from figurative painting to more expressive and abstract forms, exploring how certain life experiences have shaped this creative approach and led him to achieve inner balance. The interview also explores the role of color in abstract art, as Hai analyzes how color serves both as a tool for emotional expression and a structural element supporting the artwork. In addition, the discussion touches upon Hai’s unique understanding Vietnamese contemporary art scene, where he talks about cultural loss, his experience working with international auction houses, and his personal perspective on the development of the field. 

In this interview, Do Thanh Lang reflects on his artistic upbringing and the advantages it has afforded him in his education and pursuit of art. From a young age, Lang has observed and studied the paintings of his father, the artist Do Hoang Tuong. This early influence, in turn, has fuelled Lang’s exploration of unconventional materials like resin and plastic within his own painting practice. The interview delves into Lang’s artistic process, where unexpected art forms emerge from the uncertainty of materials. Lang and long-time friend and collaborator Dat Nguyen also discuss the founding of the Sao La group and their community-centered mobile art projects Cu Ru and No Cai Bum, highlighting artistic methods that are grounded in lived experiences. 

This interview video features Nguyen Van Cuong reflecting on the artistic experiments that shaped his career. The conversation delves into his early explorations with materials and techniques as an art student; his collaboration with artists Nguyen Minh Thanh and Nguyen Quang Huy as part of the Hanoi Triad; and his path of self-discovery through performance, installation, and music. Revolving around materiality, power and the decline of human rights – which are recurring themes in Cuong’s work – the interview examines the relationship between individuality and community, as well as the importance of socio-economic development in relation to cultural practices. 

In this video interview, Tuyen Nguyen reflects on a crucial turning point in his artistic journey: the decision to drop his economics studies and immerse himself in the residency program at A. Farm. Tuyen delves into how this shift impacted his artistic practice and considers the A. Farm residency instrumental in shaping his artistic vision, likening its environment to that of an alternative art school. Additionally, the artist shares insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced his personal and professional life, while also discussing his latest artworks. 

In this interview, UuDam Tran Nguyen discusses his journey of growing up in an artistic environment, studying abroad, and later returning to Vietnam to work. With a bold spirit and a constant urge to challenge himself, UuDam engages in experimentation with a wide range of materials, from robotic technology and smart devices to found objects and everyday phenomena like motorbikes, discarded plastic bags, and even exhaust gasses. Additionally, UuDam highlights the “eureka” moments in his practice that have enabled him to discover connections across various realms – between art and technology, historical issues and contemporary environmental concerns – in the hope of transcending boundaries to foster peaceful dialogues.  

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“. 

In this video interview, Nguyen Phuong Linh reflects on her unusual path of pursuing art. Growing up in Nha San, one of the very first art collectives in Vietnam, along with the influence of established artists, her practice fuses strong visual appeal with materials from her travels across the country and Southeast Asia region. Although eager to delve into history, the artist offers a glimpse into basic plasticity like forms and shapes rather than documentary aesthetics in her works. Phuong Linh also discusses family, simple yet fundamental subject as her new area of interests. 

In this 18-minute video interview, Nguyen Huy An goes over the highlights of his artistic journey, from graduating as an Art Pedagogy student to becoming a critically acclaimed practicing artist. Driven by personal curiosity, Huy An discusses his venture into and experimentations with performance and installation art, marking a significant transition in his artistic focus. Initially rooted in expressions of personal narratives and introspection, his practice has evolved towards a broader public discourse encompassing socio-political matters. Although known for its conceptual depth, the simplicity and minimalist tendency of his art stems from the frugality of classical aesthetics often found in Tang poetry and the Zen spirit. 

In this 21-minute video, Le Quy Tong shares his early interest along with various ups and downs in his pursuit of art and oil painting as a means of communication. The transition from portraying figures typical of Hanoi and Vietnam to more abstract content concerning history is also discussed, coupled with insights into Tong’s exhibitions True Blue and True Gold. Referring to found images from mass media, the artist talks about how he used them to create a history of duality and truth seeking. Amid the turbulence of COVID-19, Tong reaches faith and truth in his work, ideals that seem increasingly unobtainable. 

In this 18-minute video interview, Nguyen Huy An goes over the highlights of his artistic journey, from graduating as an Art Pedagogy student to becoming a critically acclaimed practicing artist. Driven by personal curiosity, Huy An discusses his venture into and experimentations with performance and installation art, marking a significant transition in his artistic focus. Initially rooted in expressions of personal narratives and introspection, his practice has evolved towards a broader public discourse encompassing socio-political matters. Although known for its conceptual depth, the simplicity and minimalist tendency of his art stems from the frugality of classical aesthetics often found in Tang poetry and the Zen spirit. 

In this interview video, Chu Thao reflects on his studies at the University of Arts and Design, Hanoi as well as his military marching to Southern Vietnam in 1969 as opportunities to hone his skills in the arts. As an artist and journalist on the battlefield, Chu Thao has sketched portraits of numerous soldiers and civilians in the Truong Son, Mekong Delta, and Cambodian regions. Through these works, the artist discusses the value of immediacy as well as the ability to convey the spirit and preserve memories in his war sketches. 

In this 25-minute video interview, Truong Hieu reflects on his artistic journey, from his school days to life during and after the war. Starting with a nostalgic reminiscence of milk flowers, wild mango trees and floating lotuses, he shares how the scenery of his hometown helped foster a passion for drawing, leading him to artist Nguyen Tien Chung and eventually his enrolment in the To Ngoc Van course at the Vietnam University of Fine Art. Truong Hieu goes on to discuss his determination in joining the war, resulting in a 10-year collection of artworks comprising sketches drawn in the rare moments of free time on the battlefield. To Truong Hieu, sketching is like his “breath of life”: it has remained a vigorous part of his livelihood up until now, as he reveals further details about The Land of Memories, a recent project on which he is working. 

In this video interview, Cian Duggan recalls his father’s fascination with the spiritual history of places that informs the artist’s own approach to painting: he places as much importance on where he paints as what he paints. Bringing his artworks out to the streets – Cian’s abstract forms can be found on various walls around Ho Chi Minh City, next to other graffiti tags – and aspects of the streets back into the gallery, Cian thus explores how disparate places can be connected, with his signature shapes acting as portals between different spaces, and even different times.