From July 31 to August 10, the sculpture - installation exhibition "Overcoming" by two sculptors Bui Hai Son and Hoang Tuong Minh takes place at the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, No. 218A Pasteur, Xuan Hoa ward.
The exhibition opened at 6:30 PM on July 31st, with artist Vu Huy Thong holding the role of curator. This is the first time Bui Hai Son and Hoang Tuong Minh have co-organized an exhibition despite being close and accompanying in artistic activities for many decades.
Overcoming" introduces 10 works, divided equally among the two artists. The works are arranged based on the architectural characteristics of the showroom, which is about 450m2 wide, with a total space area of about 750m3.
With a total weight of over 2,200kg, the works combine many materials such as metal, wood, glass, scrap, plastic mesh and light. The arrangement creates an interactive visual art space, helping visitors feel the changes of objects through light, shadow, space and observation position.
Bui Hai Son's group of works includes "Tram Tich I", "Tram Tich II", "Tram Tich V" and "Thị kiến/Tram Tich III, IV". The artist continues to exploit the "seed" image that has appeared throughout his writing journey.
Through layer separation and combination of many materials, Bui Hai Son transforms bullet casings and scrap into new images. He does not focus on retelling the history of materials but wants to open up a different life for them when they become works of art.
I believe that materials also have memories and art can help that memory transform into positive energy," the sculptor shared.
Meanwhile, Hoang Tuong Minh brought 5 works from the "Unlimited" series. The creations exploit the tension, gravity and endurance of materials, thereby evoking the will to overcome adversity of humans.
According to Hoang Tuong Minh, the biggest difficulty is maintaining the feeling of movement in heavy material blocks. The process of processing welds, connecting black iron with stainless steel must both meet technical requirements and create a light contrast effect.
Director Vu Huy Thong commented that the two lines of concepts "Tram Tich" and "Khong Lien" when placed next to each other create a journey of transformation, from layers of lingering memories to the desire to break barriers and seek freedom.
Not only an activity for professionals, "Overcoming" can become a noteworthy stop on the journey to explore Ho Chi Minh City's culture and art. The exhibition space is located on Pasteur Street, near many architectural works, museums and tourist attractions in the central area, convenient for tourists to combine in their city exploration itinerary.
Bui Hai Son was born in 1957 in An Giang, and Hoang Tuong Minh was born in 1962 in Tuyen Quang. Both graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts, have many decades of writing, teaching and contributing to the life of sculpture in the city.
