Vietnam: Art

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:08:35 +0000

Vietnam’s socialist government places a strong emphasis on the arts, particularly because it regards them as a prime vehicle for the propagation of socialist values. All of the main artistic forms such as theater, literature, cinema, and painting have state-controlled organizations that artists are encouraged if not forced to join. The government at times severely constrains the direction of artistic development through censorship, control over printing, and the presence of party members in artistic organizations. This has not prevented a minor artistic renaissance, particularly in literature, since the late 1980s. Some artists find ways to insert critical messages into their work. Many artists struggle financially because of the recent dramatic reductions in government subsidies for the arts, the absence of adequate protection for copyrights, and the fickle tastes of a public that sometimes prefers imported films, music, and literature. Artists, especially painters, who can produce for expatriates or the tourist market, have the greatest freedom to pursue their craft.

A number of indigenous graphic art traditions remain popular. These include lacquerware, ink block prints, and ceramics, all of which employ distinctive themes developed by Vietnamese artists. Historically, specialist families or villages have produced these items for local sale, though some objects such as ceramics were sold throughout the country and abroad. Painting has become more popular in urban areas since the colonial period. All of these forms are displayed in museums and, with the exception of paintings, are sold in local markets as well as galleries or shops in major cities.

Below are a sampling of some of my favourite pieces as seen at the Modern Art Gallery in Ho Chi Minh City. They all represent some of the themes often dealt with by Vietnamese artists

Censorship

Country Life

Woman

Urbanism

Woman smiling

Abstract

Vietnam: People

admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:31:39 +0000

One of the highlights of my trip to Vietnam was the people . I have never felt so welcomed and safe. They are overly helpful and they want to know about you, your family, your friends, and where you come from. They also do all this while offering you platters upon platters of food. They are certainly not defeated by their poverty…infact, it drives them to be entrepreneurs and creative about making a living. They are hardworking people who, regardless of how busy they get, do not forget to make time for family, friends, and fun. They hold a very special place in my heart and I look forward to meeting them again.

Photos courtesy of Gwen Nguyen Photography. Contact me if you wish to purchase. Next post: Food!

On the go

They love waving at tourists

Me & hubby (center) with Black H'Mong women

Me with Black H'Mong woman, Sapa

Boy selling walking sticks, Sapa

Black H'Mong carrying wares basket, Sapa

Pulling fish net, Hoi-An

Offering me his fresh fish, Hoi-An

abo design co. » People

Vietnam: Art

Vietnam: People