Modernity and Tradition in Vietnamese Contemporary Art showcased four of Vietnam’s most talented and acclaimed contemporary artists, including Bui Huu Hung, Nguyen Quang Huy, Nguyen Bach Dan and Vu Thu Hien, including an instillation DVD by Brian Ring accompanied with music by SonX.

Using a variety of techniques and mediums, the modern, thriving industrialised country Vietnam is increasingly becoming and the traditional aspects of its society and artistic community were conveyed.

Nostalgic scenes from Vietnamese myth and legend were captured gracefully within the lacquer of Bui Huu Hung and the mystical watercolour on “Dzo” paper of Vu Thu Hien, while the photorealist oil on canvas images of ethnic minority women by Nguyen Quang Huy illustrated those distant to the country’s swift progression into modernity.

Following her acclaimed success in New York, Nguyen Bach Dan showcased her striking Chinese ink landscapes bearing a strong influence to the Impressionist and Pointillist movements, for the first time in the UK at this exhibition. Her imposing, yet serene images work to re-establish the swiftly disappearing ancient relationship humans share with Nature caused by industrialisation, pollution and deforestation.

Brian Ring and SonX submitted their haunting work of video, traditional opera and modern sound to convey the disturbing way modern society is encroaching upon tradition.   

Above all, the exhibition illustrated that there is a much more dynamic, vibrant art scene taking place within Hanoi than is generally perceived, and that finally, Vietnam’s gifted artists are being globally recognised.