KVT – Some Random Thoughts about the Sofitel Metropole and Ha Manh Thang

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY7IecNwoy4&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

And Pham Ngoc Duong’s very squashed up and mangled ‘People in the City’

But, then, 2010 was one of those years when there were a lot of good shows on as my opinionated BEST of 2010 indicates.

Back to Ha Manh Thang!

Last week I was passing through the Metropole to see how some of the privileged and Dong-ed up spend their leisure time cosseted away from the noise-some hoi polloi. While receiving one of those really warm and lovely ‘thank you for coming’ verbal hugs from the door openers. I glanced over my shoulder, stopped in my tracks, and did a reverse turn back to the wide staircase that leads to air conditioned heavens. Hanging in splendid glory on the first landing wall was one of Ha Manh Thang’s best bits from the 2010 Bui catalogue

Back to paragraph one!

When I see artist’s work it’s usually en masse at exhibitions or in studios and occasionally my breath is taken away. But I rarely have the chance to see them hung in splendid isolation in a purchaser’s house or collector’s ménage d’art…or in this case, almost dominating a hotel lobby. Dominating in the most surprising manner possible! You’d think that the large work with its almost acid oranges and greens and its soldiers and guns and its satiric undertones would be totally out of place amidst carpeted luxury. But it fits perfectly…well I think it does…so there!!!!

It’s worthwhile having a look at…even if you have to pretend that you are a potential customer….or, as some do, a valued guest.

For the cashed up I recommend the salads -Nicoise or Tuna, or the raw salmon. They are certainly worth the plus plus.