[TGS – Introducing Artists] Hoàng Thanh Vĩnh Phong & Jo Ngô
The Grapevine Selection, was initiated by Hanoi Grapevine’s founder – artist Brian Ring exactly 10 years ago in 2013. The exhibition series The Grapevine Selection is an initiative within Hanoi Grapevine’s mission plan, which is to promote Vietnam’s arts and culture at home and abroad.
The Grapevine Selection 2023 is a bold experiment when placing contemporary works of outstanding artists, from painting and sculpture to installation in a space rich in cultural heritage such as the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam to a modern high-end industrial space like Audi Charging Lounge. Hanoi Grapevine hopes that the change in space will not reduce the audience’s experience of enjoying art, but will resonate with works of unique beauty, increasing the sensory experiences by cross-linking exhibition spaces and themes, a trend that will explode in Vietnam in the future.
The Grapevine Selection 2023 selected 53 artworks from 16 artists from the following areas of art practices: Painting, Sculpture and Installation with consultation from the Art Advisory Board.
Artist Hoàng Thanh Vĩnh Phong
Hoàng Thanh Vĩnh Phong was born in 1971 in Quang Tri, living and working in Hoi An City, Quang Nam province, Vietnam. Vĩnh Phong is also a member of the Quang Nam Fine Arts Association. Graduated from the University of Fine Arts in Hue in 1996, over the past two decades, Vĩnh Phong has continuously experimented with a wide variety of art forms and different creative mediums – from oil paints to lacquers, from printing on ceramic to sculpting on everyday objects. Vĩnh Phong is constantly researching, improving his techniques, and the ability to master these mediums.
“One thousand mattress portraits” is a long-term art project which I have been working on since 2014 and will continue in the future. It’s a combination of painting and sculpture made with paint materials. Traditional grinding on wood or many experimental materials such as composite, metal, etc.
As we all see, the mattress is necessary and the closest thing to people. Through the mattress, I want to understand the human condition better. By drawing a cover for the mattress, I want to explain to myself about happiness and suffering, the evil and the good in this life.”
Artist Jo Ngô
Jo or Ngô Kỳ Duyên, is a Saigonese multi-disciplinary artist whose work revolves around moving images, virtual reality, augmented reality, new media art, and recently sound art. Jo aims to reach more audiences with a compelling narrative form supported by high-tech tools and advocate for the creative community to transcend the boundaries of traditional mediums. Jo primary focus is healing art, meditation, and spreading positive energy for a safe mental outlet, which is now more crucial than ever after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My surreal scene transports viewers to a prehistoric world of ethereal beauty, offering an escape from modern complexities.”
* Photo credits: Đinh Phúc Thịnh, Trần Thảo Miên
