‘Hanoi: A Living Cultural Organism’

The captivating Otherwise exhibition, a collaboration between three renowned artists in painting, literature, and sculpture, has debuted at the Center for Culture and Arts on 22 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi.

Masterful creations by painter Le Thiet Cuong, writer Nguyen Viet Ha, and sculptor Dinh Cong Dat are on display, featuring 150 sculptural masks crafted from ceramic and papier-mâché.

The exhibition showcases masks crafted from the artists’ own faces, capturing their unique expressions. Photo: Thuan Thu/The Hanoi Times

United by a decades-long friendship, the artists felt compelled to merge their talents in literature and art. While their individual successes presented a challenge in finding a unifying theme, their shared passion for traditional elements and techniques guided their creative process.

By inscribing classical phrases, old street names, and traditional patterns on the masks, the artists forged a deep connection to Hanoi’s ancient values. The materials they chose, ranging from papier-mâché to ceramics and gold, further emphasized the richness of the city’s cultural heritage.

Nguyen Viet Ha, the writer among the trio, selected Mat Pho (Face of the Streets) as his theme, drawing inspiration from the vibrant streets of Hanoi that endlessly fuel his literary creativity. For Ha, the masks symbolize not just faces but the very essence of life pulsating through the city’s arteries.

Le Thiet Cuong, the painter, found his muse in Mat Chua (Faces of Pagodas), a choice influenced by his deep connection to Buddhism. Cuong’s artistic style and personality reflect the tranquility of Buddhist philosophy, seamlessly woven into the bustling fabric of everyday life.

(From left to right) Writer Nguyen Viet Ha, sculptor Dinh Cong Dat, and painter Le Thiet Cuong at the exhibition’s opening, capturing the essence of their collaborative masterpiece. Photo: Thuan Thu/The Hanoi Times

Dinh Cong Dat, the sculptor, brings to life the bustling atmosphere of Hanoi’s old markets in his series Mat Cho (Faces of Markets). Having grown up amidst the lively commerce of the city, Dat’s work captures the unique qualities of the past and the familiar vibe of Hanoi’s timeless soul.

Le Thiet Cuong beautifully summarizes Hanoi’s essence, describing it as more than just a metropolitan hub. It is a repository of intangible cultural heritage, a living cultural entity where the intangible legacy is cherished and preserved by its people.

In a heartfelt gesture, the artists have dedicated all proceeds from the sale of their works to support those affected by natural disasters in northern Vietnam, standing in solidarity with the community during challenging times.

Dinh Cong Dat shared the initial idea behind using their faces as masks was born from a place of camaraderie and a desire to create shared memories. However, the recent natural disasters that brought floods and landslides to the northern provinces shifted their perspective.

“The suffering and losses endured by the people in the northern mountain provinces moved us deeply,” Dat expressed. “We realized that our art project had to transcend mere fun; it needed to become a tangible act of unity with the community, offering support and hope to those facing difficulties and losses in the flood-affected regions.”

The Otherwise exhibition is a testament to the power of art and the human spirit, open for visitors at the Center for Culture and Arts on 22 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi, until October 11th.

The Otherwise exhibition, a collaboration between masters of painting, literature, and sculpture, captivates visitors with its unique blend of art and social consciousness. Photo: Thuan Thu/The Hanoi Times

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