A new ceramic artwork at Hanoi’s Nhon metro line station celebrates the city’s history, inspired by the clanging trams of early 20th-century Hanoi and created as a unique gift from the French Development Agency.
The public artwork "Five O’Clock in the Morning, Hanoi Awakens" (Il est cinq heures, Hanoï s’éveille), depicting Hanoi’s old tram system, is crafted from 15,000 ceramic pieces.
Ceramic artwork depicting the tram displayed at Station S8 – Cau Giay.
On the morning of November 9, in celebration of the Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line’s elevated section beginning commercial operations, the public artwork "Five O’Clock in the Morning, Hanoi Awakens" by artist Nguyen Xuan Lam was presented to Hanoi by the French Development Agency (AFD) through the Métis Fund.
The artwork is displayed at Station S8 – Cau Giay on the Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line. This metro line is not only a modern public transportation project but also a symbol of cultural fusion, showcasing the strong friendship between Vietnam and France.
The piece combines elements of history, culture, and nature to create an interactive and lively public space, enhancing the public transit experience while delivering an environmental message.
The artwork’s title is inspired by the classic French song Il est cinq heures, Paris s’éveille (Five O’Clock in the Morning, Paris Awakens) by Jacques Dutronc, a timeless anthem of Parisian life. Just as Paris wakes at 5 a.m., Hanoi’s trains start their journey at 5:30 a.m.
The design, inspired by the iconic clanging trams of early 20th-century Hanoi, uses over 15,000 ceramic pieces to form a 2.8-meter-tall, 3.5-meter-wide tram car with a melting effect, symbolizing global warming.
Decorated with motifs from Dong Ho and Hang Trong folk paintings and other historical elements of Hanoi, the artwork prominently features a lively garden of flora and fauna depicted in the traditional Dong Ho and Hang Trong styles, set against the landscape of Voi Phuc Temple, one of the four ancient temples of Thang Long (Hanoi).
The fusion of Vietnamese folk art with France’s classic Toile de Jouy fabric - an elegant, 18th-century fabric known for its pastoral scenes - inspired Lam to meticulously illustrate each detail with traditional cross-hatching, giving the artwork a distinctive Vietnamese-French folk aesthetic.
Duong Duc Tuan, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee, stated that the artwork not only enriches the city’s public space but also conveys a powerful message about nature and sustainable development amid today’s global environmental challenges. Each detail serves as a reminder of the close connection between urban life and ecology, reinforcing Hanoi’s commitment to green development. Hanoi officials expressed gratitude to the French government and AFD for this meaningful gift.
Artist Nguyen Xuan Lam was challenged by managing the project remotely due to his studies abroad.
Lam, who dedicated over two and a half months working 12-hour days on concept, research, sketches, proposals, technical drawings, and garden design, was unable to oversee the project in person due to studying abroad. The construction team worked for three months, day and night, bringing the artwork to life by molding, casting, polishing, producing ceramics, and installing them on-site.
Hanoi People’s Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh and officials view the artwork.
According to Lam, he was excited but also anxious when invited to undertake the project, carefully balancing aesthetics, technical requirements, and the local history and culture of both nations while delivering a thought-provoking message.
AFD Director Hervé Conan remarked that the artwork serves as a symbol of the strong 21st-century friendship between Vietnam and France while encouraging reflection on humanity’s relationship with urban life and nature. “Amid the environmental challenges we face, this work poses questions about individual responsibility and the practical steps we can take towards a sustainable and beautiful future,” Conan said.
Vietnamnet.vn
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