Go see the Ceramics

The impressive synergy between ceramics, installation, and video art in artist Ngo Trong Van's contemporary exhibition 'Ceramics' transformed the familiar space of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association into a vibrant, multi-sensory experience that captivated a wide audience of art lovers.

Two foreign visitors attentively admire the exquisite details of the ceramics at the 'Cultural Ceramics' exhibition - Photo: H.VY

After more than three years of dedicated work with clay, glaze, and fire, artist Ngo Trong Van has launched his "Van Ceramics" exhibition in an exciting contemporary space at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association . The exhibition showcases over 40 meticulously arranged ceramic works (including 11 sets), combined with video art by visual artist Kyuri Vien, and runs until December 13th.

Van Pottery: A place of passion, dreams, and love.

At the opening ceremony, artist Ngo Trong Van couldn't hide his emotion, as for him, the Van Pottery solo exhibition was like a dream come true. This is a well-deserved achievement for the creative journey full of ups and downs of someone who has tried, failed, left, and then returned with passion for his love of pottery.

The artwork "Heart of the Forest," with its large size and impressive form, by Ngo Trong Van - Photo: H.VY

Artist couple Ngo Trong Van and his wife were originally students of ceramics. After graduating, he wanted to pursue his own path in ceramics but failed, and coupled with the worry of making a living, he had to switch to a different direction.

But his love for pottery remained strong, gradually rekindling when he saw his wife, artist Nguyen Thi Dung, persistently and passionately molding each batch of pottery to create beautiful works. Thus, in 2014, he returned to clay and kilns, to dreams of freely creating, experimenting with new discoveries, and expressing his innermost feelings through pottery. Therefore, at Van Pottery , viewers can easily sense the love the artist has poured into his work. This is not only because the exhibition features many creations in the shape of hearts, but also because of the incredibly sincere expression of emotion. It's a resonance with epic themes about nature and life; a meticulous and creative approach to delicate and unique structures; careful attention to every detail, the tiny sparks of fire blending with the glaze colors, or the transformative beauty of each layer of glaze revealed through cracks after multiple firings...

Combined with installation art, "Cultural Ceramics" captivates viewers, encouraging them to carefully examine it from multiple angles, discovering more and more interesting details with each viewing - Photo: H.VY

Those familiar with ceramics can easily imagine the dedication, meticulousness, and passion of the creator. Just the act of carrying, handling, and manipulating the clay to create large ceramic pieces is a daunting challenge, not to mention the mentally exhausting process of conceptualizing the artwork. Then there's the nerve-wracking process of firing the ceramics in the kiln. Because Ngo Trong Van's designs are so complex and unique—as his wife, artist Nguyen Thi Dung, puts it—they are very "precarious." Firing such large, creatively complex pieces carries a high risk of damage, cracking, or even explosions. But in return, the joy of a successful batch of ceramics is incomparable. Each time a piece comes out of the kiln, the couple admires it together with overflowing happiness. Therefore, Van's ceramics are also the culmination of the relentless creativity of an artist's soul, always striving for perfect beauty and self-understanding.

Artist Ngo Trong Van is happy at his debut exhibition , Van Ceramics - Photo: H.VY

The unique path of a ceramic sculptor.

Ngo Trong Van once confided that, with pottery, creative emotions from the heart and mind are directly transmitted through the hands that mold the clay, creating a genuine connection between earth and man. This philosophy leads him to always focus on the profound connection between humans and nature, gradually shaping Van's pottery style. Van's pottery not only tells the story of the artist's creativity but also embodies the aspiration to return to the roots, to listen to the whispers of earth and fire, to connect with and cherish every source of life from Mother Nature. After viewing the exhibition and following his creative journey, which combines solid craftsmanship, traditional pottery techniques with modern thinking and artistic concepts, many colleagues agree that he deserves to be called a ceramic sculptor.

Art researcher Ngo Kim Khoi is delighted with many new discoveries about "Cultural Ceramics " - H.VY

According to sculptor Professor Nguyen Xuan Tien, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, Ngo Trong Van's ceramics are very beautiful, with diverse themes, clearly demonstrating the artist's unique and innovative style. Ngo Trong Van's works have won numerous awards, and some have been collected and preserved. The themes of humanity, love, society, and especially works about hearts, seedlings, genetic change, and climate change in Ngo Trong Van's ceramics are both imaginative and profound, prompting much reflection in viewers and guiding them towards truth, goodness, and beauty.

The glazed ceramic artwork "Life's Whirlwind" by Ngo Trong Van - Photo: H.VY

According to artist Nguyen Duy Nhut, many people have traditionally associated ceramics with artisans and their practical applications, but with Van Ceramics , ceramics have taken on a new breath and voice of art. With his dedication to his craft, Ngo Trong Van has found his own path with a distinctive visual language and glaze colors. This will help him go further in his career with new and better directions in the future. In particular, this ceramics exhibition is not just about displaying artworks, but also contains an artistic message connected to the contemporary solutions of young artists. The harmonious combination of ceramic works with installation art, video art, and even the scent of Petrichor when rain touches the dry ground... All of this creates a new multi-sensory experience, immersing viewers in the magical flow of Van Ceramics , of creativity and love. Some images from the Van Ceramics exhibition:

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/di-xem-gom-van-20241208160148834.htm#content-6