Colonial-era art, artifacts showcased in Hanoi exhibition

By Hieu Nhan   April 27, 2021 | 04:00 am PT
Thirty-six artworks and artifacts from the Indochina era and modernity are on display in Hanoi, shedding light on aesthetics both past and present.
With two different spaces, the Retro exhibition introduces old artworks from several art collectors, and new contemporary works which draw inspiration from the past.  In this photo, Chan Dung Thieu Nu (Girl’s Portrait) is a 44x36 cm painting created by artist Nguyen Luyen in 1950. It was bought from the Indochine Chapter 9 auction session in France in 2020.

Spread across two different spaces, the "Retro" exhibition introduces several collectors' pieces and contemporary works inspired by the past.
The 44x36 centimeter painting "Chan Dung Thieu Nu" (Girl’s Portrait) was created by Nguyen Luyen in 1950. It was bought from the 2020 Indochine Chapter 9 auction in France.

Chan Dung Nha Tho Thanh Toan (Poet Thanh Toan’s portrait) by Luu Cong Nhan. It was painted by the artist in 1986 when he visited his friend, poet Thanh Toan, in Da Lat Town in Lam Dong Province.Curator Van Vi spent four choosing artworks in the exhibition. She said that it was challenging to persuade art collectors to let their brainchildren be shown at Retro. Artists create art based on their personal inspiration, so I must choose to showcase them with a topic. And many collectors are difficult when it comes to storing these paintings, so we have to meet their demands, Vi said.

"Chan Dung Nha Tho Thanh Toan" (Poet Thanh Toan’s Portrait) by Luu Cong Nhan was painted in 1986 while visiting his friend, poet Thanh Toan, in Da Lat Town of central Lam Dong Province.
Curator Van Vi said many collectors are extremely demanding when it comes to storing these paintings.

Tuong Dong Bien Hoa (Bien Hoa Bronze Statue) was bought from Sotheby’s auction house in France.According to Vi, most artworks and artifacts at the exhibition were bought from leading auction houses across the globe and checked by many experts.  Some paintings have been kept by their creators’ families.

"Tuong Dong Bien Hoa" (Bien Hoa Bronze Statue) was bought at Sotheby’s in France.
According to Vi, most artworks and artifacts at the exhibition were bought from leading auction houses across the globe and verified by experts. Some paintings are held in the possession of the artists' families.

Pho O Quan Chuong (O Quang Chuong Street) is a colored powder painting done by Le Van Xuong in the 1950s.

"Pho O Quan Chuong" (O Quang Chuong Street in Hanoi) is a colored powder painting created by Le Van Xuong in the 1950s.

A pepper mill made of wood and metal from the 1930s.

A 1930's pepper mill made of wood and metal.

An old iron used coal for heating that was made around the 1890s to 1945. Art critic Phan Cam Thuong said that the exhibition offered a wide range of artworks that shed light on the lives of Vietnamese elites in the past.   Photographer Le Bich agreed, saying this is a rare opportunity for locals to see colonial-era artworks.  The exhibition takes place from April 23 to May 23, at The Muse Art Space, No. 47, Trang Tien Street, Hanoi.

An old coal iron used from the 1890s to 1945. Art critic Phan Cam Thuong said the exhibit offered a wide range of artworks that shed light on the lives of Vietnamese elites of the past. Photographer Le Bich agreed, saying this is a rare opportunity for locals to view colonial-era artworks. The exhibition takes place from April 23 to May 23 at The Muse Art Space, No. 47, Trang Tien Street, Hanoi.

Photos by Hoang Hue

 
 
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