From rice grains, mulberry flower beds to a dialogue between science and art

The exhibition "The Foliage V - The Touch of Science" at the Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA) is attracting the attention of the public.

The exhibition brings together 9 typical artists of Vietnamese contemporary art, evoking reflections on the deep connection between knowledge, creativity and the future of humanity.

The exhibition space is designed like an open-minded map. Viewers are not left in a designated path but are encouraged to create their own path to contemplate through 5 stations - corresponding to 5 key scientific thinking regions.

Unlike linear display, the V-ray space is designed like an open-mind map, encouraging viewers to create their own experience path through 5 scientific thinking stations.

Stopping at Station 1: Live sprouts - Agricultural science, the last works of the late artist Le Thiet Cuong bring viewers to the origin through the story of rice grains - the symbol of the rice civilization.

Next is Station 2: Life - Medicine for Humanity, where Le Giang and Le Dang Ninh examine the human body from birth to healing.

Meanwhile, at Station 3: structure - Materials of the Future, Bui Quoc Khanh and Do Ha Hoai tell the story of smart substances by redefining substances.

The work at Station 4: The Land of Consciousness - The Land of Intelligence by Do Hiep and Pham Minh Hieu uses light and data to metaphorise intelligence.

Finally, Station 5: Source of Life - Environmental Science by Vu Binh Minh and Trinh Minh Tien, gathers works emphasizing the inevitable loop: humans cannot be separated from nature.

Sharing about the touch between art and science, artist Do Hiep said that scientists are also the ones who make art. The moment a scientist reaches a state of sublimation in research is like when an artist reaches the peak of creativity.

According to him, science brings material solutions to humanity, while art nurtures the spirit. That is the reason why the intersection of the two fields is so natural.

This year's exhibition shows that artists can approach the problem in the same way as scientists: take a problem, find a way to solve it and when successful, it will open up a new perspective.

To realize a large-scale and multi-layered exhibition like X-ray, the preparation process is a long journey of research and empathy.

Choreographer Do Tuong Linh emotionally shared about his time accompanying artists, especially the days working with the late artist Le Thiet Cuong before his passing away: It was those creative journeys that opened up rich approaches to the relationship between science and art. I believe that it is from these exchanges that we can jointly aim for more diverse, open and sustainable knowledge of the future.

Ms. Nguyen Tra My - Director of VCCA expressed her hope that this event will kick off deeper dialogues between fields, while suggesting a new direction for Art-Sci practice in Vietnam.

Along with the exhibition "V ray - Scientific touchpoint" is a series of diverse experiential activities such as art seminars and art-tour, aiming to bring scientific - artistic concepts closer to the public.