Saigon weekend: what to do and where to go

By Phuc Trinh   June 22, 2023 | 12:43 am PT
As summer arrives in Saigon, the city's weekend buzzes with a diverse range of activities to delight locals and visitors alike, from art exhibitions, French cinema, cake pops workshop, to a sneaker fest.

Exhibition "Under The Sun"

Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of "pouring art" at the exhibition "Under The Sun" held by De La Sól and artist Viet Hoang. This showcase celebrates the technique of pouring art, which harnesses the natural flow of paint to create patterns on canvas.

Visitors can experience the patterns that emerge as paint flows and blends on the canvas. Photo courtesy of De La Sól

A woman dances at the "Under The Sun" exhibition. Photo courtesy of De La Sól

Featuring a collection of 18 works by Viet Hoang, "Under The Sun'' invites visitors to embark on a journey through the different moments of a day, from dawn to sunset. Visitors can experience the allure of a multi-dimensional mirror tunnel, where the colors from Viet Hoang's pieces resonate, creating an ambiance that draws you deeper into the art.

As a testament to his vision and innovation, Viet Hoang also unveils the largest round pouring art painting ever crafted in Vietnam.

The event is open to the public from June 15 to 25, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at De La Sól - Sun Life Flagship, at 244 Pasteur Street, District 3.

French movie "Le tableau" (The Painting)

French cinema rendez-vous is a weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

This week's movie is "Le tableau", an animation that tells the story of a group of characters living within an unfinished painting.

In this imaginative world, the characters are divided into three distinct classes: the Toupins, who are fully painted; the Pafinis, who lack a few colors; and the Reufs, who remain mere sketches.

Le tableau. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

"Le tableau" poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

The film explores themes of discrimination, power dynamics, and the search for identity and equality. The Toupins, considering themselves superior, oppress the Pafinis and enslave the Reufs.

However, when the characters realize that the painter has left their world incomplete, they embark on a quest to find him and persuade him to finish his work. Throughout the adventure, the characters grapple with questions about their existence, the intentions of the painter, and the meaning behind his actions.

"Le tableau" will be shown at DCiné Cinema at 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on June 24 at 7 p.m. The price of a ticket is VND60,000 ($2.55) per person.

Exhibition "The Grapevine Selection"

"The Grapevine Selection" exhibition, previously showcased at Hanoi's Temple of Literature, is now coming to the Audi Charging Lounge in Ho Chi Minh City. Curated by the respected Art Advisory Board, the exhibition will display 53 artworks from 16 talented artists.

This event plays a vital role in promoting Vietnamese art and culture, both at home and abroad. By supporting emerging artists, fostering the art community, and attracting diverse audiences and collectors, "The Grapevine Selection" contributes to the vibrant landscape of Vietnamese art.

The Grapevine Selection. Photo courtesy of Hanoi Grapevine

"The Grapevine Selection" poster. Photo courtesy of Hanoi Grapevine

This exhibition breaks traditional boundaries by showcasing artworks in diverse settings, including the culturally significant Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam and the industrial space of the Audi Charging Lounge. The exhibition aims to enrich the audience's experiences and foster a dialogue between art and its surroundings. The selected artworks and artists span various artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and installation, with the guidance of the Art Advisory Board.

The Grapevine Selection exhibition is open to the public from June 23 to July 9, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Audi Charging Lounge, located at 6B Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1.

Sneaker Fest 2023

Sneaker Fest 2023 will take place this Saturday at Saigon Outcast and FTWR.Co. With an emphasis on the sneaker culture, this event celebrates the passion and enthusiasm of sneaker enthusiasts. It provides a platform for individuals to connect, showcase their collections, and engage in the sneaker community. Attendees can explore a diverse array of sneakers, engage in buying, selling, and trading activities, and even personalize their kicks through customization options.

Sneaker Fest 2023. Photo courtesy of Saigon Outcast

"Sneaker Fest 2023" poster. Photo courtesy of Saigon Outcast

The event will feature live music, adding an electrifying energy to the atmosphere that will elevate the excitement of the day. This event showcases a commitment to promoting urban culture, art, and community engagement. By bringing together sneaker enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, it fosters camaraderie, appreciation for unique footwear, and a love for creativity.

The event will be held on June 25, from noon to 10 p.m., at Saigon Outcast, at 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2.

Summer Cake Pops Workshop

The Summer Cake Pops Workshop, held by L'Usine, is an activity designed to ignite creativity and bring joy to your kids. This event offers an afternoon brimming with laughter, creativity, and delights. Young participants will have the chance to have fun with the art of crafting cake pops while enjoying a summer drink and an array of fruit-themed cake pops.

Summer Cake Pops Workshop. Photo courtesy of L’Usine

"Summer Cake Pops Workshop" poster. Photo courtesy of L’Usine

Kids will have the opportunity to refine their motor skills with the guidance of instructors, who will lead them through each step of the process. Through this event, parents are encouraged to support their children's imagination and allow them to explore the world of cake pop decoration, unlocking their artistic talents.

The workshop will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 24, at L'Usine, 24 Thao Dien Street, District 2. Tickets for this event are priced at VND390,000 ($16.60) per child.

 
 
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