KVT – 5 Artists at L’Espace

CONTINUATIONS

You should go along to L’Espace just to see Tran Van Thuc’s old ladies ‘waiting’. They are fascinating, hyper-realistic, life-size sculptures full of poignancy and pathos. Anyone, anywhere, who has a close, elderly, female relative will be full of empathy for the three figures. It’s a sad and lonely offering that is really quite brilliant. This artist is well on the way to being the Vietnamese Ron Mueck. Let’s hope he continues. As the name of the exhibition is ‘con tiep’ or ‘to be continued’ there is a probability that we’ll see more.

Displayed on two pillars are framed photographs of what appear to be the same pustular pimples. Called ‘Souvenirs of 2010’ the installation is a cunning way of stating that our memories of specifically important times are often tinged or completely blemished by pain or disfigurement. A great idea and presentation by Pham Ngoc Duong.

Ha Manh Chien has installed several anonymous, full size, white figures in a white landscape. It’s an arresting piece. Called ‘Bellies’ (as in tummies) the sculptural piece is open to loads of interpretations…It’s the sort of work that an art discussion group could have a ball with. Impressive!

Bopha Xorgia Le Huy Hoang has installed a huge purplish tongue on a red, celebrity carpet. It seems to be stating that though many people deserve fame and status, too many use their flapping tongues to convince the world that they, too, are important. How many people can you bring to mind who continually regurgitate their deeds, abilities, skills.. so that the unwary will bask in their reflected glory and adulate them. I guess it’s the cult of talentless celebrity.

I was really taken by the four smallish sculptural wall pieces by Nguyen Huy An. They could refer to death and memories or are  they are delicate statements about the swing away from the traditional to the modern where-in the traditional implements and trappings are put in wraps and become unusable, sometimes distorted, reminders of a past vaguely remembered? I’d love to know the price for the whole series.

Once upon a time L’Espace used to have artist/public discussion sessions during exhibitions. This is one of those times when a revival would be great.

If we continue to get work of this thoughtful caliber for the rest of the year I’ll be very happy. I hope that all young artists are using these men and this exhibition as examples of what can be done by and through art.  It’s not all brilliant but it asks questions.