When creativity crosses boundaries

VHO - Recently, social networks have been abuzz with conflicting debates surrounding a series of designs performed at the National Cultural Costume competition within the framework of Miss Grand Vietnam - Miss Grand Vietnam 2025.

Standing out among the controversial designs are the Ancestral Incense set with an altar model right on the stage and the Nine Flowers Welcoming the Saint set inspired by the image of Lady Chua Xu of Sam Mountain, An Giang .

Miss Tieu Vy performs the design "Nine flowers welcoming the Saint", recreating the image of Lady of Sam Mountain on stage.

Some praise the outfits for their boldness and originality, while others criticize them for being creatively misleading and shocking. But it must be admitted that, from a visual perspective, the designs have achieved an immediate effect...

Sacred space cannot be turned into props

The audience was surprised and amazed when they saw the model step onto the stage in a massive costume, carrying with it the familiar worship space of every Vietnamese family. Along with that, the beauty queen transformed into a goddess who is respected and worshiped widely throughout the South. The drama and unusualness certainly cannot help but attract attention. In an era where performance art always seeks to create differences, it is clear that these works have succeeded in causing controversy and creating a viral effect.

However, true creativity does not stop at shocking, but must create a positive resonance, so that the audience not only admires for a moment but also feels convinced and proud. Therefore, many costumes in the competition night revealed their obvious limitations.

With Huong Khoi Gia Tien, the author said the idea was inspired by the morality of "remembering the source of water when drinking", honoring the Vietnamese custom of ancestor worship. Although the idea is not wrong, bringing the altar - a sacred, tranquil space - onto a stage filled with lights and music , with models walking and holding incense sticks while praying, made the image become forced, even offensive. The altar is where descendants show respect to their ancestors, completely inappropriate to become a "prop" in a beauty contest.

Similarly, the Nine Flowers Welcome the Saint costume also caused quite a bit of controversy. Inspired by the image of Ba Chua Xu of Sam Mountain, honoring the Mother Goddess worship in the Southwest region and the desire for a peaceful land with bountiful harvests, the costume was performed by Miss Tieu Vy. She shared on social media that she was very proud to wear this unique design, and at the same time said that the creative team went to Ba Temple to ask for permission before performing. However, the problem lies not in the sincerity but in the performance context. In fact, even in the festivals of welcoming Ba Chua Xu, no one transforms into her. People only carry the crown and gown, but absolutely no one "plays" the role of her. The fact that a beauty queen appeared on stage with the crown and gown symbolizing Ba Chua Xu has crossed the thin line between honoring and profaning.

However, the competition still had some notable highlights. Many costumes showed the seriousness, passion and creativity of young designers. The inspiration materials were exploited quite diversely, from nature, fairy tales, folk games to culinary culture..., opening up a journey to recall traditions and creating a new breeze for the stage. The audience also welcomed that boldness and diversity, because if it only stopped at safety, the national costume competition would hardly make a distinct mark.

Design "Ancestral Incense" performed at the competition night

Creativity also needs limits.

However, attracting attention is not as important as how to attract attention. It can be said that the Organizing Committee has succeeded in attracting public attention, but at the same time has unintentionally created "cultural shocks". Beliefs and spirituality are sensitive areas, bringing sacred things in the folk consciousness to the stage may come from the desire to honor, but if there is a lack of understanding, it can easily turn into offensive. That fragile boundary, once crossed, will lead to unpredictable reactions.

Artistic creativity has no limits, but innovation does not mean disregard. With national costumes, there are three basic principles that need to be preserved: Symbolism - Aesthetics and Cultural Spirit . If we only pursue effects to create media effects, the costumes will lose their symbolism. If we indulge in ostentatious details, we will lose our aesthetic sophistication. And if we touch sacred values ​​in a forced way, we will lose our cultural spirit.

A successful national costume not only makes the audience “wow” in a moment, but also leaves a lasting echo of pride. It must create a visual effect, tell a cultural story and evoke empathy. Difference is necessary, but difference does not mean strange or shocking. And difference is only sustainable when it is attached to the national cultural identity.

Therefore, it is possible to praise the boldness and daring of young designers, but it is also necessary to frankly point out the limits that cannot be overcome. Once the sacred is profaned, the consequences will not only stop at temporary controversies, but also damage the cultural beliefs of the public.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/giai-tri/khi-su-sang-tao-vuot-lan-ranh-169103.html