TRAVERSING REALMS: GIAO BIÊN I WIKING SALON CENTEC

The exhibition "Traversing Realms" is an exploration of concepts related to space and boundaries in contemporary social contexts. Boundaries as explored here are not only visible boundaries but also include invisible ideologies. With advanced technology, trade and cultural integration through globalization, tangible limits have been overcome. The norms and values of contemporary society are influenced by many different human-caused factors: economics, politics, environment, modernization, popular culture, technology, etc. In a state of uncertainty with boundaries that seem to constantly diminish and re-establish, between tradition and innovation, between past and present, between center and periphery, between real and virtual worlds, we unconsciously or consciously are caught up in the cycle of "the new reality".

The exhibition starts with Nguyen Thuy Hang's paintings of vast landscapes with small human forms in striking contrast. Here, the landscape becomes a portal to parallel realms that invite the audience into her profound journey - a return to one’s self. The sense of insignificance of human existence in the presence of nature is depicted in Hang's paintings, with minimalist forms and a subdued palette that strips away real life’s excess.

Nguyen Thi Chau Giang's silk paintings contemplate the rhythm of life cycle embodied in how the female bodies transcend overtime. Shredding layers of clothing to the nude bodies also symbolize openness and freedom, while also demonstrating the inner strength of women in modern society. Her paintings also represent the transition of generations, where values and ideologies are balanced between preserving traditional customs and adapting to change.

Duong Thuy Duong's series of "avatar" paintings is the artist’s tackling the subject of transhumanism and at times, simulates the rich choices of individuals in modern life when choosing to identify themselves in virtual realms. Her paintings also demonstrate the penetration of popular culture and technology into modern society, while evoking the question of whether there is a single “truth". 

Nguyen Quoc Dung's paintings provide poignant portraits of the everyday lives of marginalized individuals within contemporary society. Through his frames, audiences are presented with a window onlooking to the lives of the immigrants that are often unnoticed.  The subjects, often situated on the fringes of society, are positioned at the center of the work, gazing directly at the onlookers. Through this unique perspective, the artwork compels us to consider the experiences of immigrants and those struggling on the margins.

The exhibiting works reflect the intersection between different elements of contemporary society. The works range from realism to abstraction, reflecting the transcendent nature of the times we live in. The works of Nguyen Thuy Hang, Duong Thuy Duong, Nguyen Thi Chau Giang and Nguyen Quoc Dung all raise the complex layers of human experience in a constantly changing and unsettling world, and provide viewers with an insight into the nature of life, helping them reflect on the existence of tangible and intangible aspects.

The exhibition includes 36 paintings with many materials: oil paint on canvas, watercolor and ink on silk, watercolor on paper and charcoal on paper. The works were created in the period from 2016 to 2023. This exhibition is also the publication of the largest silk work by artist Nguyen Thi Chau Giang with a size of up to 2 meters.