KVT – Art Vietnam……The Second Decade

Since the beginning of this century, Art Vietnam has been a name synonymous with quality Vietnamese art, and art with a Vietnamese theme by a few well chosen, world class foreign artists. This is due to the acumen, savvy artistic knowledge, and devoted patronage of Vietnamese artists of the gallery founder, Suzanne Lecht (part of whose wardrobe is a valuable and collectable artistic statement. Hanoi based designers Laura and Diego of Chula create an outfit that complements the theme of each new exhibition, for Suzanne to wear at its opening

Suzanne, an American, has lived in Asia since1982 and has been involved in the collection and selling of Vietnamese art for nearly two decades and is an acknowledged expert in what constitutes much of the best in this country’s contemporary fine art. She has a good eye for collectable works and she proudly states that she won’t sell anything that she wouldn’t buy herself and place prominently in her own home.

And it’s when you see that home in Hanoi that you realize the truth of that statement. Its an amazing house and, amazingly, nowhere near the fashionable parts of the city.

It’s been featured in glossy books about modern Vietnamese architecture and even though these try, they somehow can’t approximate the intriguing character of the house, its very traditional and inviting Vietnamese furniture, its comfortable nooks and crannies, verandahs and vestibules, and its very amazing art collection that seems right at home in this two story house that has been topped with a third level – an ethnic minority, White Thai stilt house brought bit by bit from the village of Mai Chau and re-installed as a large but surprisingly intimate space.

Which brings me back to where I started! When I read about the imminent closure various possible reasons why ran across my mind…… death….injury…..bankruptcy…… astronomical rent increases……..recalcitrant landlords….retirement….ill health…..relocation…..emigration…… So when I got back to Hanoi as autumn was threading its cool fingers across the city, I asked Suzanne the whys and wherefores.

It was tied up with rent increases but more than this, with the parlous state of the international art buying market, a market that had been wallowing in the doldrums for the previous twelve months. And, of course, without  a stream of buyers,  any commercial art  gallery becomes a less viable entity.

So, like a lot of art dealers and owners of prestigious private galleries throughout the world, Suzanne had to consider her options. Not wishing to leave Hanoi, and that unique house, and not wanting to let down the artists and staff connected to her business, she decided to keep Art Vietnam open and running.

But where?

Suzanne is an optimist and believes that ‘when a door closes behind you a new one is sure to open’ and after a meditating the light shining through a crack into the future, decided that where better than in that gorgeous house?

If you look at the Art Vietnam website, the new address is given as 2 Ngo 66, Pho Yen Lac with an image of the interior into which Suzanne and her knowledgeable staff invite art lovers, prospective purchasers, and an inquisitive public to talk about and view Vietnamese art.

In its new and intimate incarnation, Art Vietnam can be called a Salon, especially if we  consider it in the terms of the ‘French Enlightenment’ when Salons were established by educated and influential women in their homes – women who invited their guests into comfortable, informal surrounds to discuss intellectual and cultural topics. Historically, the ethos can be traced back to the Roman poet, Horace, who encouraged such small gatherings so people could enjoy and discuss poetry. In the 21^st century we’d generally associate the term as consisting of a social gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring hostess to increase participants’ cultural knowledge and appreciation through shared conversation. And what better way to investigate and appreciate contemporary Vietnamese art than in an informal gathering with the specialists in PhoYen Lac.

As Art Vietnam becomes comfortable in its new guise, Suzanne can see it co-operating with other art venues in Vietnam to mount exhibitions, renting extra-special spaces for one off artistic events, exporting art and artists to overseas venues to showcase Vietnamese art. She will continue to enthusiastically promote the work of artists that she represents and will always be on the lookout for emerging talent.

When you talk with her you feel that Art Vietnam has a very positive future.