”The Tone of Cinnabar” Exhibition

16 May – 16 Aug 2025
Hà Vĩ Temple
No. 11 Hàng Hòm, Hàng Gai ward, Hoàn Kiếm district, Hà Nội

From the organizer:

Following the Sac Lua (The Essence of Silk) exhibition, which expanded the artistic activities at Yen Thai Communal House, the Sac Son exhibition continues the effort to promote creative expression within a space rich in artistic value — a communal house long associated with the history of lacquer craft on Hang Hom Street.

The Sac Son exhibition is inspired by the cinnabar hue found in traditional Vietnamese lacquer. Cinnabar and black are considered the two primary colors in traditional lacquer, alongside materials such as gold and silver leaf, mother-of-pearl, and eggshell. The red of cinnabar is traditionally classified into four shades — Trai, Tuoi, Tham, and Nhi — each used in various ways to build a diverse and expressive color palette in Vietnamese lacquer painting. More than just a color, cinnabar becomes a soulful tone, embodying the unique spirit of Vietnamese lacquer art.

Set in the historically significant space of Ha Vy Communal House — dedicated to Tran Lu, the founder of the lacquer craft — the exhibition honors the legacy of Ha Vy villagers from Thuong Tin, Ha Tay, who came to Thang Long centuries ago to make a living producing lacquered wooden goods. The works on display range widely in form and expression: from traditional lacquer paintings and lacquer-covered wooden statues by contemporary painters to handicraft products created by Ha Thai lacquer artisans.

In addition to traditional lacquer works showcasing the red vermilion tone by artists such as Bui Kim Hien and Lai Minh Huyen, the exhibition also includes experimental pieces. These include combinations of traditional vermilion with industrial materials — for example, stainless steel in the work of artist Lolo Zazar — and innovative mediums like experimental lacquer photography by curator Nguyen The Son, and a light installation by Vu Xuan Dong, which interacts with traditional lantern clouds and the golden hues of Ha Vy Communal House’s intricate attic architecture.
Complementing the main works are exhibits that turn the space into a miniature “lacquer craft museum.” Two lacquer trees planted in the courtyard by artist Ngo Thanh Bac, along with tools and materials used in the lacquer-making process — from sap-collecting instruments to specialized tools for painting and crafting — are displayed by artist Truong Hoang Hai. These additions help viewers visualize the entire journey of lacquer craft, from raw material to finished product, while also showcasing its diverse applications in everyday life — all guided by the evocative tone of cinnabar, which connects to the traditional cultural identity of Vietnam.

Participating Artists: Vu Xuan Dong, Truong Hoang Hai, Lai Minh Huyen, Bui Kim Hien, Dinh Van Trong, Ngo Thanh Bac, Tran Cong Dung, Lolo Zazar, Tran Van Giap, Nguyen The Son.

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