Vietnam's Contemporary Art Scene: Three Spaces Driving Change
An article in Artribune Magazine highlights three independent art venues in Vietnam that are fostering contemporary art despite facing censorship and limited resources. The New Space Arts Foundation in Huế, established by twin artists Lê Đức Hải and Lê Ngọc Thanh, runs an annual residency for 10–12 artists and has hosted over 100 artists in the last ten years. In Ho Chi Minh City, Vin Gallery, which Shyevin S’ng founded in 2012, observes a growing interest in modern art, though contemporary art sales remain low. Salon Saigon, created by John Tue Nguyen and led by Sandrine Llouquet, organizes exhibitions and educational initiatives, promoting freedom of expression while thoughtfully addressing delicate topics. Future exhibitions will feature works by Phan Thảo Nguyên and others.
Key facts
- The New Space Arts Foundation in Huế runs an art residency for young Vietnamese and international artists.
- Founders Lê Đức Hải and Lê Ngọc Thanh are twin artists who have never studied abroad.
- The residency has hosted over 100 artists in ten years, with stays from one to three months.
- Vin Gallery was founded in 2012 by Shyevin S’ng and has locations in Ho Chi Minh City and Penang.
- Shyevin S’ng says the local contemporary art market needs more private institutions and government support.
- Sàn Art is a nonprofit organization in Saigon that trains artists and art professionals.
- Salon Saigon was founded by John Tue Nguyen and is directed by Sandrine Llouquet.
- Censorship restricts exhibitions on political or sexual topics in Vietnam.
Entities
Artists
- Lê Đức Hải
- Lê Ngọc Thanh
- Shyevin S’ng
- Sandrine Llouquet
- John Tue Nguyen
- Phan Thảo Nguyên
- Trương Công Tùng
- Nguyễn Phương Linh
- Ly Hoàng Ly
- Nguyen Thi Chau Giang
- Dinh Q.
Institutions
- The New Space Arts Foundation
- Vin Gallery
- Salon Saigon
- Sàn Art
- Artribune Magazine
Locations
- Huế
- Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon
- Penang
- Malaysia
- America
- Europe
- Asia