Eddie Ryan: The Weight of Things

Exhibition: 07 am – 07 pm, 29 June – 31 Jul 2023
Artist talk: 03 pm – 05 pm, Sat 01 Jul 2023
Matca Space for Photography
48 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi

The work quietly broaches the experience of the emigrant and the temporal fragility of the lives of those who must leave. It articulates their strategies of learning and assimilation – of survival even – in photographs tempered by the mores, sanctions and beliefs of the society in which they were made. The photographic act serves a fourfold purpose in this series – that of the dig of the archaeologist, that of the reflexive exploration of a society dependent on a migrant workforce to assist in the fulfillment of its ambition. The photographs also act as apertures of seeing and archaeological density maps, physical and conceptual ways of articulating being outside, being other.

Worked in both liminal and post-liminal states*, ‘The Weight of Things’ intended to make manifest the ‘in between’ I found myself in on a number of fronts: I was between there and home as neither permanent resident nor naturalised citizen; I was classed as an expatriate, not an economic migrant even though the latter was the fact. I was continuing to work out the subtleties of engaging in cultural enquiry in a specific geographic location, operating within the boundaries of respect and the law of the country that gave me a place to live when I needed it most. Through exploring these nonmaterial aspects, I made work that’s subtly evocative of the nature of the place, the experience of the transition to successfully abide there, and to ‘placemake’ using photography as a partial conceptual mapmaking of the terrain of the infra-ordinary, the anti-sublime.

‘The Weight of Things’ as a title refers to the subjects that helped to articulate this situation: everyday objects in displacement and limbo, totems of protection employed by the migrant; photographs that visually articulated leaving, memory, arrival, and partial assimilation.

A Night of Spanish Music

Jul 7, 8 pm, 
Saigon Opera House
07 Cong Truong Lam Son, D1, HCMC

Classical music transcends languages and nationalities, so it’s appropriate to celebrate the 200th birthday of French Édouard Lalo with his music that paid homage to Spain along with selections from Spanish violin phenom Pablo de Sarasate, Spanish composer Enrique Granados and Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. While each of the men led different lives and had largely different styles, they are united by their appreciation for Spanish music.

12 Spanish Dances for String Orchestra by Enrique Granados are diverse in their themes and movements, they are share stylistic levity and elegance. Reflective of the early 20th century’s nationalist, Spanish style, they are the perfect way to usher in the night’s subject matter.

Exhibition “From Plein Air to Atelier”

10 am – 05 pm, 01 – 09 Jul 2023
Art talk – Conversation with the artists: 09 am – 11 am, Sun 02 Jul 2023
Art tour – Conversation with the curator: 10 am – 12 pm, Fri 07 Jul 2023
LAGarden Restaurant – Lan Anh Village
No. 2, Street 45, Thủ Thiêm Ward, Thủ Đức City, HCMC

The timeless beauty of Italy – the magnificent Bel Paese nestled in the heart of Europe – has always been an endless source of inspiration nurturing the creative spirit of countless exquisite souls throughout the centuries. Beyond space and time, that beauty will be condensed within a promising exhibition called “Italy: From Plein air to Atelier.”

From profound similarities in heritage and art, the exhibition “Italy: From Plein air to Atelier” is born through the collaboration of Patron Art Space and the Consulate General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, as part of a series of activities marking half a century of friendly relations and traditional cooperation between the two countries. Throughout 50 years of meaningful connections, we have witnessed a journey in building deep economic and diplomatic relations, as well as joint efforts in promoting multidimensional intersection and understanding between the two nations.

The exhibition is a harmonious symphony of Italy’s unique natural and cultural heritage through the perspectives and practices of two contemporary Vietnamese artists, Bui Duy Khanh and Duong Thuy. By employing color, light, delicate plein air techniques, and their own thoughts and emotions, the two artists skillfully recreate and transform their wonderful experiences of Italy into vibrant and meaningful artworks of Vietnam. The exhibition not only offers an emotionally charged artistic interpretation of unique cultural aspects but also symbolizes the long-lasting friendship and the importance of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Pham Xuan Canh: A story of dreams

Jul 8, 3 pm – 7 pm, 
Thach Cau, Long Bien District, Hanoi

Pham Xuan Canh’s ‘A story of dreams’ is like an excursion from one everyday scene to another. The encounters among the elements in his photographs appear both accidental and predestined, lying somewhere between reality and fantasy. For some chance moments, the colors in what is normally seen from day to day suddenly illuminate like a kind of obsession, revealing an inherent mystery on which we would often miss out.

In Canh’s words: “For me, photography is both an interesting walk with the ordinary in my surroundings and a journey of quietly looking back into my heart. Walking around and focusing on observing helps me feel the small, simple things of everyday life that for many reasons we often accidentally fail to notice. I keep wondering a little bit about each and everything: Each photo is a true story of life, although carrying many shades of joy, sadness, happiness, or suffering, they still bear their own meanings and values. I’m just a wanderer too busy roaming about recording those life stories with my small camera.”

Sun Life Exhibition – FLORA Of Southeast Asia (Botanical Art)

Jul 6-16, 9 am – 9 pm,
De La Sól – Sun Life Flagship, 244 Pasteur, D3, HCMC

For the first time in Vietnam, FLORA of Southeast Asia – an exhibition on Botanical Art in association with Botanical Art Society (Singapore) will be held at De La Sól – Sun Life Flagship.

FLORA will take you on a journey to discover the vibrant world of native plants from Southeast Asia (including Vietnam). These are the most original plants which occur naturally in the region, ecosystem or habitat without human introduction.

Here you can find more than 120 artworks of amazing artists around the world that were synthesized by the Botanical Art Society (Singapore), including newest pieces from Phan Thi Thanh Nha (the only Vietnamese artist whose artworks are displayed at Flora of Southeast Asia – Singapore). FLORA promises to bring you a close-up look at this new genre of art.

Pham Ha Ninh – Entrusted Conjectures

Until Aug 6, 11 am – 07 pm (except Monday)
Manzi Exhibition Space, No. 2 Hang Bun alley, Hanoi

Entrusted Conjectures – an open studio by visual artist Ha Ninh Pham
Presenting a new series of “sculptures – measuring instruments” as a part of his on-going project titled “My Land”

How much of our perception of the world is shaped by the way we measure it?

Measurement refers to various systems of apparatus, units and rules based on which the uncertainty of value is reduced and can be expressed in a quantity. The standardization in measurement establishes a mutual understanding of quantities, and provides the basic reference for many disciplines. Measurement, thus, is a cornerstone of science, a fundamental step in framing and constructing the world. 

Exhibition “Neverwhere”

Until Aug 5, Tues – Sat, 10 am – 07 pm
Galerie Quynh, 118 Nguyen Van Thu, D1, HCMC

In the vast expanse of the universe, we find ourselves in an infinitesimally small space, encountering endless mysteries that defy our understanding. Throughout history, artists and scientists alike have been captivated by the idea of parallel realities.

Drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, string theory, and avant-garde art movements, Neverwhere delves into the uncharted territories of the imagination, transcending conventional norms and questioning the limitations of our perception.

The exhibition brings together six visionary artists – Nadege David, Cian Duggan, Sandrine Llouquet, Ngo Dinh Bao Chau, Trong Gia Nguyen, and Vo Tran Chau – who invite us on a mesmerizing journey through the intersections of art, science, and spirituality.

The title “Neverwhere” borrows from the eponymous novel by Neil Gaiman that depicts an unseen world beneath the sewers – LondonBelow– where strange destinies await, suggesting the idea of a physical space that does not yet exist in time.

Exhibition “Peculiar Interfaces”

Until July 23 (off Monday), 09 am – 07 pm
The Outpost, Roman Plaza Tower B1 (Floor 2), To Huu Street, Hanoi

In realising the growth of digital media in everyday context and the lack of its discussion in the local art conversations, The Outpost seeks to introduce artworks that engage with the amplifying presence of smart machines and digital technology through our exhibition and acquisition activities.

“Peculiar Interfaces” serves as an abstract to The Outpost’s long-term dedication to explore and unpack how technology is impacting our relationships to one another, and to the world around us.

Screening of Australian children’s animation Bluey

July 5 in Danang City

July 6 in Can Tho City

The story centres on Bluey, an anthropomorphic Blue Heeler puppy who is six years old and is known for her endless energy and curiosity in the outside world.

Three episodes of Bluey, Magic Xylophone, Grannies, and The Beach, which are 21 minutes in total, will be screened with a Vietnamese voiceover.

Bluey is an animated series about a family of Aussie blue heelers dogs, produced by Brisbane-based Ludo Studio for ABC Kids and is co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios.

The UK/Viet Nam Season 2023

June – Dec 2023

The UK/Viet Nam Season will take place across Viet Nam, between June and December 2023 in order to celebrating the best of UK-Vietnamese partnerships across the arts, creative industries, higher education, and in English language. Its programme of events includes exciting workshops, performances, exhibitions, hackathons and more.

The UK and Viet Nam first forged a diplomatic relationship 50 years ago – this Season commemorates the 30th anniversary of British Council’s presence in Viet Nam. UK/Viet Nam Season is an opportunity to strengthen existing bonds and forge new creative partnerships between the people of both countries.

The UK/Viet Nam Season kicks off in June and will showcase the richness of the relationship between the UK and Viet Nam – from one-of-a-kind major festival performances, to interactive large-scale exhibitions that tackle global challenges, to works delving into the rich history of Vietnamese–British communities, or sonic journeys exploring the voices who have made a home in Hue City and Manchester. The Season is focused on building on the rich historic ties between the UK and Viet Nam, and how we create our future together.

Danang Electronic Carnival

July 7, Da Nang City

Performance by top DJs and producers from around the world and Vietnam including Jordan Suckley, Ardelinze, Tommy Trash (Thomas Olsen), Kevin Krissen, Vinjaz, Acigode, Tillb Au, Dupli.K, and MC Zeno.