The 70-year-old soapberry tree was revived in a new, sparkling and eye-catching appearance at Co Tan flower garden, Trang Tien street, Hanoi .
The dracontomelon, purple-flowered, royal poinciana, milk flower, and acacia trees have become symbols associated with the image of the elegant capital, creating a unique feature for each street in Hanoi. Therefore, when super typhoon Yagi arrived in early September 2024, many people could not help but feel heartbroken when a series of ancient trees were knocked down.
Using stainless steel and quartz, 8X artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen extended the life of a 70-year-old uprooted rosewood tree in Co Tan flower garden (Hoan Kiem, Hanoi), turning it into an artwork called "Revival."
The idea was supported and approved by the leaders of the Hanoi People's Committee and Hoan Kiem District, both to develop culture and cultural industry in the capital and to promote the historical value and heritage of urban trees.
Having participated in many international exhibitions, this is the first time Tia-Thuy Nguyen has exhibited art in her hometown of Hanoi. She believes that the work will inspire the optimistic, resilient lifestyle and the ability to thrive that is associated with the people of the capital in particular and Vietnam in general.
Don't let go to hold on to good things
- Hello Tia- Thuy Nguyen. Where did you get the idea for the work “Resurrection” at Co Tan Flower Garden, Hanoi?
Artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen: "Resurrection" is the next chapter in a series of works revolving around the theme of trees, which began with "Flower of Life" in 2023 in France. The general idea of this series of works is that I want to preserve memories of the very personal loss when my father passed away.
My father is gone but he still lives on in my mind. I don't want to let go, but choose to hold on, create a tangible love that can be touched, held and seen with the eyes.
When the storm hit Hanoi, killing and breaking tens of thousands of trees, the extreme emotion of a Hanoian who grew up under the shade of the mahogany trees motivated me.
Author Tia-Thuy Nguyen (left) and the tall size of the soapberry tree.
- Your project to install the tree “Resurrection” this time also has the companionship of artist Tran Manh Hung with the work “Echo.” How will the two works support each other in creating the overall landscape for Co Tan Flower Garden as well as the appearance of the Capital?
Artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen: The work "Resurrection" is created from the roots and main trunk of a fallen rosewood tree, while the work "Echo" is created from the trunk and branches of the same tree. The work "Echo" is like a whisper about the years that the rosewood tree has lived and its transition into a new life, while the sparkling light on the branches and leaves of the work "Resurrection" whispers about beautiful mornings.
The contrast between the green of the leaves and the brown of the natural wood of the tree with the stainless steel and quartz stone, the work creates an interesting interaction and transformation. During each day of making the work, my colleagues and I observed this lively interaction becoming more and more evident.
In my opinion, the launch of the two works "Revival" and " Echo" is not simply an effort to restore and beautify the space after the natural disaster, but also a way to honor the historical value and heritage of urban trees - a very unique part of Hanoi's soul.
These works contribute to connecting memories with the present, expanding the depth of contemporary art and evoking pride in Vietnamese cultural identity. I hope the public will feel the optimism, perseverance and strong ability to "rise up" - qualities that have made the Vietnamese people through many generations.
Love Vietnamese culture in many artistic languages
- You are a contemporary artist with diverse methods of expression from painting to fashion , and sculpture and installation. What is the consistent language of Thuy Nguyen? What or who is the biggest source of inspiration for you in your artistic practice?
Artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen: Audiences can see that my creations span many artistic fields, from painting to fashion, sculpture and installation. For me, these are not only different ways of expression but also a way for me to express my love for Vietnamese culture through many different artistic languages.
Whatever materials, techniques or colours I use, they all revolve around the Vietnamese people and identity, values that have been “forged” over generations. The language that runs through my art is the connection between tradition and modernity. I do not limit myself to a certain theme, but instead seek inspiration from real-life experiences, from daily life, from the stories of people and the culture around me.
Every encounter, every story, every moment contributes to the formation of new ideas, different perspectives on life and culture.
Miss Cosmo photo series with outfits from Thuy Design House - Tia-Thuy Nguyen's fashion brand. (Photo: Facebook Thuy Design House)
- What habits do you have when creating, and how does that help you? What habits do you think can help artists when they are stuck and unable to create?
Artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen: My creative habits include exploring and digging deep into an idea or problem. I am disciplined and courageous in venturing into the unknown. When I focus and dedicate myself to an idea, these habits lead me to the end of the creative journey, where I can see my brainchild “born.”
When I encounter creative block, I often put my ego aside and open myself up to new ideas. I believe that personal life experiences - the joys, the sorrows, and the lessons they have learned - are an endless source of inspiration.
I find that every personal experience forms a part of my artistic identity. Memories and emotions distilled from culture, people, and life help me create works that are more authentic and profound. Sometimes, simply changing the perspective or experimenting with new materials and techniques can help break down the barriers in my mind.
Will artists be replaced by AI?
- In your creative perspective, does art always need to "say" something, or is it simply to express emotions?
Artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen: In my opinion, before talking about theories, techniques, explanations… the work itself must be able to “tell a story” about itself. When coming to the work, the audience can feel the story through their eyes and hearts. When the authors can do this, you no longer feel the pressure to “say” something or try to express your emotions.
The feeling of "excellence" is exuded naturally, without force, which, to me, is what's important.
- In your opinion, how will the role of artists change in the next 10 years, especially in a world full of biotechnology and AI?
Artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen: I have observed the interaction of information technology with art, and I think that in the near future, AI or new technologies will be complementary, and creative people like me can shorten the time or find new inspirations. At the same time, artificial intelligence also creates a pressure that we must be selective, not letting ourselves be "drowned" in a sea of information.
On the other hand, AI is a technology that filters and transmits data that already exists, while artists are the ones who create things that have never existed. So I believe that artists will still have their own place in the coming years.
Thanks for sharing!
Tia-Thuy Nguyen (or Thuy Nguyen) real name is Nguyen Thu Thuy, born in 1981 in Hanoi. In 2006, she graduated from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, defended her doctoral thesis in art in 2014 at the National Academy of Arts and Architecture in Kiev, Ukraine.
Tia-Thuy Nguyen works in the fields of fashion, visual arts and film production. She was honored by Forbes Magazine as one of the 50 most influential women in Vietnam in 2019.
Tia-Thuy Nguyen's works are present in many international galleries such as Chateau La coste (France), Galerie Almine Rech (France, USA) and Mareterra (Monaco).
Most recently, at the end of 2023, Tia-Thuy Nguyen's art collection with the theme "Sparkling in the vastness" was commented by Almine Rech-Picasso - granddaughter-in-law of the late famous painter Picasso and owner of Almine Rech gallery in France as "paintings with strong Asian identity, from the meaning of the embroidery to the materials used, from traditional painting to Vietnamese history."
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoi-sinh-cua-tia-thuy-nguyen-xa-cu-bat-goc-hoa-thanh-tac-pham-ton-vinh-ha-noi-post1034389.vnp
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