The artist said he hopes to make Hanoians think about what they treasure most about the city, which celebrates its millennium in 2010.
“With each street in the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, I chose a house which has specific traits from traditional Vietnamese culture from the 36 streets in the old quarter,” said Thao. The work was on display at the Viet Art Centre and l’Espace, the French Cultural Centre in Ha Noi.
This year marks the first time a Vietnamese artist has taken part in the competition. Thao is competing with 33 other artists – three of which are also Vietnamese.
Representing Viet Nam are Hoang Duong Cam, Nguyen Quang Huy and Vuong Van Thao. Cam’ work is entitled Untitled, Attack – Sculpture – Protect and Huy’s work is entitled Indochina Sisters #29.
The artworks were nominated by Natalia Kraevskaia, independent curator, art critic and director of Salon Natasha – a premier gallery in Ha Noi. The APB Foundation Signature Art Prize series celebrates the partnership announced last October between the Singapore Art Museum and the APB Foundation to develop and promote contemporary art.
The result is a collection of contemporary art with diverse themes and mediums.
The 10 finalists are in the running for five awards, three juror’s choice award winners will receive S$10,000 (US$7,000), a People’s choice award of S$10,000 will be given, as well as the grand prize of S$45,000.
