| ART GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS |
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Contributed by Lisa Ng-Bow
Mai Gallery Mai Gallery first put Vietnamese art on the international map, when the owner organized a group of artist friends to exhibit their pieces. These artists are now the famed “Gang of Four” of Vietnamese art. Art shown at this gallery has since become more commercial, but the gallery is interesting nevertheless for its history and collections.
Apricot Apricot is a large art gallery in the old quarter, housing the key works from major Vietnamese artists as well as some newer artists. It is a good place to start to get an overview of popular contemporary Vietnamese art though the artwork can seem a bit commercial here as well.
Green Palm Green Palm Gallery is another key stop on the gallery circuit offering a wide range of works from popular contemporary Vietnamese artists.
Art Vietnam Gallery Located in a traditional Vietnamese house in the old quarter, this gallery exhibits both classic art pieces as well as new and younger artists. Art here is often edgier, more complex and thought-provoking. The gallery director, a former art critic, is very knowledgeable about Vietnamese art. Private art tours to meet local artists in their studios and see their work can be arranged with gallery owner.
Red River Gallery This gallery often provides a better selection of art work from the more well-known artists (eg, Pham Luan, Hong Viet Dung, Dang Xuan Hoa), though the gallery shows work from interesting new artists as well. Its former location within the Sofitel Metropole perhaps provided a base of more demanding clientele.
Hanoi Studio Hanoi Studio is most like a small SOHO art gallery in New York City. The director has a genuine passion for art. The gallery shows what it thinks is quality art in Vietnam and the art lovers and buyers do come! It has recently hosted some exhibitions of innovative art work from a new generation of artists. This gallery also has major exclusive contracts with more established local artists.
Dragon Gallery This gallery is located on a small quaint street in the old quarter just off of Hang Gai close to Hoan Kiem Lake. Hosting more playful art (eg, Cuong) and notable for its interesting lacquer art pieces, it is worth a visit. The gallery cooperates with a sister gallery named Thang Long Gallery on Hang Gai.
Dong Phuong Dong Phuong gallery often exhibits quality works of classic artists (eg, Hoa, Hau) as well as an interesting collection of newer, more popular art. A small shop two doors down from the gallery also sells some antique reproduction furniture and some work of lesser known artists. Also check out the following for modern Vietnamese art on display:
Sofitel Metropole Hotel Other interesting art spaces:
54 Traditions 54 Traditions is a gallery focusing on the artifacts and art of Vietnam's 53 minority groups and the Kinh majority people. This museum like gallery has several floor of beautifully displayed items, including traditional textiles, Shamanic objects, jewelry assembled from archeological pieces, and functional objects.
Nguyễn Mạnh Đức’s Stilt House This stilt house is the home and studio of artist Nguyen Manh Duc is often the gathering place of young artists and an burgeoning experimental art scene. |
For those interested in an orientation to Vietnam’s burgeoning contemporary art scene, we have compiled a short list of Hanoi galleries that taken as whole, can provide a solid introduction to the key artists and diverse styles that have defined the trends and evolution of today’s Vietnamese art.