'Awakening' - farewell to the familiar space of Craig Thomas Gallery

'Awakening' - the final group exhibition to bid farewell to the 27i Tran Nhat Duat space after 14 years of establishment by Craig Thomas Gallery has just gathered many artists and art lovers to participate.

Over the past 14 years, 27i Tran Nhat Duat, Ho Chi Minh City has become a familiar space for art lovers - Photo: H.VY

Awakening is the final group exhibition to bid farewell to space 27i Tran Nhat Duat (HCMC) of Craig Thomas Gallery (CTG), on display from now until November 5.

The audience had the opportunity to enjoy many paintings, sculptures, and installations of various styles by 12 talented Vietnamese artists from all three regions. Of these, 10 artists have exhibited here before and two artists are participating for the first time.

These are the authors Ngo Van Sac, Pham Dinh Tien, Pham Thanh Toan, Lieu Nguyen, Luong Luu Bien, Nguyen Van Du, Tran Minh Tam, Nguyen Trong Minh, Bui Thanh Tam, Nguyen Tuan Dung, Truong The Linh and Nguyen Hung Son.

Emotional and cozy "family" gallery

As someone who was invited to the opening exhibition 14 years ago, and has been involved in solo and group exhibitions at CTG, with artist Luong Luu Bien, he has spent almost his entire career here.

"Although the gallery is a bit small and private, it is very emotional and cozy like a family. I am very sorry to have to say goodbye, because this place has become as familiar as home to many artists.

I respect Craig Thomas because he truly loves and is passionate about art, and always respects artists. When organizing exhibitions, he is always the one who takes care of everything for the artists. To maintain an art gallery for 14 years, only someone can do it for love" - artist Luong Luu Bien confided.

Artists gathered in the group exhibition Awakening to say goodbye to space 27i Tran Nhat Duat - Photo: H.VY

Flying from Hanoi to participate in the exhibition, artist Ngo Van Sac recalled: "Ten years ago, my first solo exhibition with wood burning paintings took place here (the Mid-Life exhibition in 2013). The works in it were all self-portraits but were very well received by the audience, a beautiful memory.

The gallery is small and cozy, and Craig always takes great care of each group and solo exhibition to help young artists share their work with the public."

As for sculptor Pham Dinh Tien, he likes the warm, family-like atmosphere of CTG. Since his student days more than ten years ago, he has come here to see paintings, and has had three exhibitions since.

"The gallery is small, gentle, not grand but just right, it feels very "Saigon". Craig has been here for a long time. I think he probably wants a change too. Saigon is changing too!" - Pham Dinh Tien confided.

A place to connect contemporary artists with the public

Coming to Vietnam in 1995 to work as a lawyer in Hanoi, Craig Thomas didn't think he would stay this long.

At first, he just worked as a gallery manager for a friend (Hanoi Studio) for fun. But he liked it so much that when he came to Saigon, Craig quit his well-paying job as a lawyer to open a gallery at home.

CTG was founded by Craig Thomas in 2009 at 27i Tran Nhat Duat, Ho Chi Minh City after more than 10 years of working in fine arts in Vietnam.

Craig has a keen interest in contemporary art and young artists, having curated, discovered and mentored many promising artists over the years.

Craig Thomas took a souvenir photo with singer Hong Nhung at the Awakening exhibition - Photo: H.VY

When asked about his feelings about holding his last exhibition at this space, he smiled and said "I don't know", because he has been in Vietnam for too long! But one thing Craig is sure of is that he will continue working with Craig Thomas Gallery in another space, hopefully soon.

That is also what all artists and the public who have been attached here expect.

"Artists like me are only good at my profession and work at home all day. We really need reputable and professional organizations like Craig to help us connect with the public," artist Pham Dinh Tien shared.

As for Ngo Van Sac, he believes that the development of private galleries with different curatorial criteria will help diversify the art market, creating more opportunities for artists to introduce their new works.

"It is not easy to maintain a gallery for a long time with so many difficulties. Through three years of the pandemic, Craig has persisted. That is his great effort and love for Vietnamese art.

I hope Craig Thomas will continue his journey on the artistic path in another space with more success" - Mr. Ngo Kim Khoi hopes.

Some pictures at the Awakening exhibition:

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