Sketching the textures of Vietnam… “In the secular West, where nothing is sacred, everything seems hidden; yet in Asia, where nothing is hidden, everything is sacred.” ― Steve McCurry, photographer of the iconic “Afghan Girl” image. McCurry was speaking of India, “where millions have no home but the streets, virtually every life event is carried … Read more
The disappearing art of calligraphy…. Hai is a calligrapher. Here is how his days go: From 9am to 7pm, he sits in his usual spot on a small plastic chair at the corner of Dien Bien Phu and Truong Dinh in District 3 where he draws, writes and sells his creations to tourists, passers-by or … Read more
Uncovering Hanoi’s hidden charms. Hanoi’s landscape seems to sprawl endlessly into an inconceivable labyrinth of concrete roads, rivers, bridges, buildings and houses, and at its center is a mass of higgledy-piggledy streets and alleyways. The Old Quarter has been the heart of commerce in Hanoi since its founding by Ly Thai To in 1010, with … Read more
Folklore immortalized in broken pottery. There is a wonderful piece of mythological sculpture in a temple garden in Hoi An that I visit every time I go to the Old Town. It stands in the forecourt of the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall and is truly one of the finest examples of folk mosaic I have … Read more
Saigon Kitsch probably found its ideal new owner when Audrey Tran picked up the business five years ago. Half French, half Vietnamese, this highly charismatic entrepreneur seems to exist in a permanent state of inspiration – and she’s spent much of the time since acquiring the store turning her flashes of brilliance into unique souvenirs for sale. “Yes, I’m … Read more
Secluded in a tiny alleyway deep in Go Vap District is an eclectic studio and workshop belonging to an eccentric artist by the name of Nguyen Van Binh. Inspired (or perhaps obsessed) by Renaissance art, Binh has hand-painted images of the style on everything from masquerade masks, room signs, cups and pots, candles, albums, guitars, paper holders to traditional paintings, … Read more
Like many indie shops of its kind, Yim Bader, named after its owner, remains an unknown outside of its avid customer base. Inside of that circle however, it’s something of a cult brand and has been featured twice in a local newspaper and a Japanese interest publication. Yim started making jewelry from wooden beads, stones and metal wires as a … Read more
How creative inspiration begins People often ask me where I get my inspiration from, how do I start a piece of work and why do I choose to draw or paint the things I do? I am always silenced by this question because the answer is so complex. It is similar to the question I am asked by people who stop … Read more
A unique project brings international artists to Vietnam A dozen chatty Korean ladies are gathered around a large wooden table laden with tapas-sized snacks. The mood is jovial, fueled by copious amounts of makgeolli, a milky Korean rice wine. The small crowd has gathered for an art talk and exhibition by Korean artist, Andy Khun, whose ink drawings range from whimsical to disturbing … Read more
People coming together to share information, experience, and knowledge in all aspects of photography For Chien, the Vice President of the Senior Photography Club, photography is a life-long pursuit. As a teenager he tried to pursue it as a career but harsh conditions during the American War and family obligations forced him to abandon it for a more financially stable job. Now … Read more
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Phone: 02836209210
Email: info@oivietnam.com
Web: http://oivietnam.com
