Vietnam Today

Sunday afternoon January 11th 2004, Her Excellency Mrs. Dinh Huyen, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, will open the exhibition 'Vietnam Today' at Galerie Amber for invitees; an exhibition of one hundred modern artworks by ten painters from Vietnam. Half of these paintings will be shown at Galerie Amber, the other half at the nearby Art Callery Caro. Both galleries invite you to come and have a preview from December 20th 2003.

Vietnam Today is the 5th Asia project of the East West Foundation (EWF), a foundation that brought Chinese art from Malaysia, showed works from Iran twice, and organized Syria Now in the spring of 2003. Vietnam expert and EWF advisor Dr. John Kleinen will introduce this exhibition with a focus on the contemporary art scene in the country. EWF secretary Mieke Schneider studied the developments locally for years, which made selection of painters and artworks by herself and board member Irma Roefs much less difficult.

The Ecole des Beaux Arts, that was founded in 1925 and closed in 1946, was replaced by the National Academy of Arts of the Democratic Republic of Vietmam (DRV) with a heavy intrest in socialist realism. The economic reformation policy of 1986 ( Doi Moi) gradually brought liberalization, especially in the visual arts.

Rapidly growing tourism caters for an abundant demand for easy exotic works. This demand brings about the answer of many, so many serious artists, especially the younger ones, stay away from the numerous art galleries. As you can see, their techniques and themes often tell on the origin: You will recognize the Vietnamese do paper, the art of lacquer painting, painting on silk, and the reviving Buddhism in our selection, while at the same time you will realize why the participating artists receive high appreciation in many countries abroad.

While visiting the exhibition(s) you will receive a brochure that will inform you on the backgrounds.

The EWF board

We highly value the support of:

Gemeente Leiden,
Royal Dutch Ambassy Vietnam,
NCDO and
VSBfonds.