VietNamNet Bridge – Young artists in the Sao La project of HCMC-based Gallery Quynh have turned a building at the corner of Nguyen Thai Binh and Le Cong Kieu streets in District 1 into an art workshop even though when they are aware that the building will be cleared sooner or later.

All visitors to the building are captivated by creative and artistic touches that are reflected at all of its nooks and crannies.

In a small space, a room for painting and installation art exhibition is set up.

The room for painting and installation art exhibition is located in an old building at the corner of Nguyen Thai Binh and Le Cong Kieu streets in District 1, HCMC

Paintings are hung on the wall along the staircase inside the building

Products are displayed in a proper way, making the tiny room a true contemporary art gallery.

One third of the room is a workplace for artists and architects. Working in an old building which is about to be cleared away seems to be an interesting experience that these artists are happy to enjoy.

Thanks to their activities, people to the old building forget the feeling of saying goodbye and they merely indulge themselves in an atmosphere of innovation and creativity.

Few people would think the rooftop measuring some 70 square meters could have been turned into an outdoor cinema.

There are short-film screenings available there. Film students, young directors, and film lovers can sit down together to enjoy drinks, and watch and discuss movies.

Young film directors such as Truong Que Chi, Huynh Cong Nho, Le Bao, Truong Minh Quy, Ta Minh Duc, and Do Van Hoang have been able to introduce their debut productions, of which some have received international awards.

The working area for young artists of the Sao La project in the old building

Sao La is a non-profit art project launched to support contemporary art practices in Vietnam. The project is supported by the HCMC Fine Arts Museum and young Saigon artists Nguyen Kim To Lan and Tung Mai are responsible for art in the project.

Its main purpose is to make contemporary art accessible to the general public through educational programs, and nurture Vietnam’s growing creative community. 

SGT