Video Art 'Entering the Retreat': Cultural Imprint Through Art

The video art exhibition "Entering the Meditation Hall," held at the Nguy Nhu Kon Tum lecture hall of Hanoi National University, has brought a breath of fresh air, revitalizing masterpieces of Indochinese art. Inspired by the classic painting of Victor Tardieu, the work not only recreates the past but also guides viewers on a profound journey of discovery into history and culture. The combination of modern technology and classical art has transformed the exhibition space into a magical intersection of time and emotion.

Victor Tardieu's original painting, a massive 11x7m oil painting completed in the early 20th century, once majestically stood at the University of Indochina, now the Nguy Nhu Kon Tum lecture hall. The work is considered a valuable historical document, recording a turbulent period in Vietnam's history. In every exquisite detail, Tardieu depicts over 200 figures, paying close attention to minute details such as clothing, customs, means of transportation, and architecture. The painting profoundly reflects the intermingling of Eastern and Western cultures while also offering a vivid glimpse into Vietnamese society during its period of dramatic transformation. AI helps to recreate the images in the painting vividly. Photo: Vien Hong Quang

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Thanks to the development of artificial intelligence, the painting is now recreated more realistically and vividly than ever before. From the original black-and-white photographs, the team applied AI to learn the colors from the original oil painting, recreating the image with the highest accuracy. Video art and animation are skillfully combined, breathing life into each character and scene, bringing to life a world that seemed to have been buried by time. Technology has transformed the static painting into a vibrant living space, where every movement tells a story, and every color evokes distant memories.

However, as experts affirm, technology cannot perfectly recreate everything on its own. The reconstruction process requires the collaboration of human intellect, from providing accurate historical data to analyzing and selecting the most subtle details. According to Dr. Tran Hau Yen The, the painting is not just an art form, but also contains profound stories about society, people, and culture in the early 20th century. Meticulous research on costumes, ranks, and historical context has helped artists recreate the painting authentically while preserving its inherent spiritual value. Dr. Tran Hau Yen The, lecturer at the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, shared his insights at the seminar. Photo: Baomoi

The exhibition "Entering the Meditation Hall" is an effort to revive masterpieces of art, while simultaneously opening the door to discovering cultural values hidden deep within history. The combination of art and technology creates a journey through time, leading viewers through layers of memory, each containing a message about knowledge, cultural exchange, and creative spirit. The artwork becomes a bridge between the past and the present, helping today's generation to better understand their roots and appreciate the values left behind by their ancestors.

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"Entering the Retreat" is not simply an art exhibition, but also a profound reminder of the mission to preserve cultural heritage. Modern technology has helped bring values that seemed to have faded back to the public, but it is the companionship of human knowledge and dedication that is the decisive factor. The exhibition celebrates art and at the same time affirms that cultural heritage, despite its ups and downs, remains a bright torch illuminating the path of successive generations.

Hoang Anh-SEAP