What About Vietnam – S4-E12 – Contemporary art in Vietnam - A window to the future

Contemporary art is shining fresh eyes on Vietnam.

Why are we talking about contemporary art as part of a traveller’s experience of Vietnam?  It’s because the art you are seeing today in Vietnam and in galleries all around the world, wasn’t always there. The artists coming through the last few decades are showing their skills, and they are painting their version of history.  Some with a view to building bridges. It's modernistic, forward thinking and truly powerful with influences from some of our greats: Van Gogh, Matisse etc.

In some small way I am hoping through the story telling of my guest today you will get some deeper understanding of some of the things you will be seeing and experiencing on your trip. If you are an Art Collector or art enthusiast there are links below to lead you to where you need to go.

Today’s story begins in the early 90’s. Not that long ago if you think about it. But years before any reconciliation between the US and Vietnam. I am talking with the visionary of Contemporary Art in Vietnam – world renowned Suzanne Lecht

Vietnam in the 90’s is a country rebuilding after being war torn for so long. You will be inspired by Suzanne as she tells about her initial involvement with the art scene in Vietnam after her husband died while they were living in Tokyo, and how she followed her dream two years later to seek out some artists in Vietnam, known as the Gang of 5. Ultimately, she goes on to make her dream come true to work with, and live with them, as she curated and exhibited their work to the outside world. Together with the Gang of 5 she builds her dream house. More on that in the show.

While I had done the interview with Suzanne previously, I got to meet her during my recent trip to Vietnam. Meeting her in person and having time with her in her home, and in, what is in essence “The Salon or gallery” she built with the local artists. Suzanne  is an inspiring woman who you can tell lives her life with passion and purpose. As two blondes, we laughed at the irony of our affinity with this country and its people.

The Salon (Art Vietnam Gallery)  is an intimate, creative reflection of the culture of Vietnam, open by appointment only. It can be booked for private parties, art consultations, poetry readings, music events as well as other cultural activities. Suzanne continues to curate exhibitions and shows in Vietnam and other cities worldwide to expose Vietnamese artists in the international art world.
I suggest if you are a collector or interested in viewing some special pieces you would be advised to reach out to her through her website here.

Time stamps to help guide your listening:-

 | 05:59  | How Suzanne’s interest in art found her in Vietnam.
 | 10:19  | Article: Art from the Heart - Gang of Five Holds Their Third Joint Art Exhibition.
 | 15:41  | “What in God’s name am I doing here in Vietnam?”
 | 21:32  | How the Gang of Five became Suzanne’s window to the outside world.
 | 27:52  | Suzanne’s first gallery was in a house in Hanoi.
 | 34:43  | Vietnam’s culture and art.
 | 40:13  | What should the travelers be looking for, in contemporary art in Vietnam?
 | 47:55  | How can art lovers tell real art from fake art?

 You can view this YouTube to find out more about Suzanne Lecht - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7O4HOebJyk

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