Bookworm – Fossils by Thao
Opening: Thurs 13 Nov, 6pm
Exhibition: 13-30 Nov 2008
In July, Thao closed the Bookworm’s art space in Ngo Van So with a sell out exhibition of his living fossils. He helps us celebrate the opening of our new art space (and a belated opening of our new premises) with a preview of his new fossils.
Vuong Van Thao is rapidly becoming one of Vietnam’s premier artists. An exhibition of his series FOSSILE VIVANT (ancient houses in the old quarter of Hanoi preserved in acrylic glass) at The Singapore Art Museum this year was critically acclaimed and he was selected as one of ten Asia Pacific artists for the inaugural SIGNATURE Art Prize. This juried prize was given for the best contemporary art work in the Asia Pacific region over the last three years.
Thao wants to preserve aspects of Hanoi that are under threat of extinction due to modernization and globalization. In this new series of work Thao has made living fossils of that disappearing group, the night vendors, who roam the city in decreasing numbers in the early hours calling out their wares in distinctive, melodious cries such as,“banh mi nao” and “ banh bao nong”
He has included fossil pieces from a companion series to celebrate 100 years of the LONG BIEN BRIDGE that was almost blown into extinction by US bombers. Also look out for a couple of Thao’s distinctive loud speaker poles with their spaghetti wires.
The Bookworm’s art space is a non profit space and does not charge artists rent or commission.
 | Bookworm 4b Yen The, Hanoi open 10am – 7pm, closed Mondays Tel: (04) 747 87 78 [email protected] |
