Le Huu Hieu stands out as the only Vietnamese artist to hold a solo exhibition, titled “Tam” (Baco da seta), at the 61st Venice Biennale, affirming Vietnam's presence on the global contemporary stage.
Held at the historic Ca’ Faccanon under the theme “Vietnam: Art in Global Flow,” the exhibition transcends a conventional showcase. It signals a nation engaging with the world while maintaining deep cultural roots. Le Huu Hieu’s showcase has become a focal point, drawing international media attention from outlets such as Italy’s ASKANews. This milestone follows his steady career growth at the Florence Biennale and Miami Art Fair Week. In 2025, he was recognized as a “Pioneering artist in the UNESCO heritage journey.”
The installation series “Tam,” on display from May 9 to November 22, 2026, results from a decade of research. Rather than portraying war, the artist explores everyday life, spirituality, and national philosophy. The exhibition unfolds as a journey through 12 “Guardian Deity” statues symbolizing the Five Elements, leading to a central “House” and a 6.5x4-meter lacquer painting that reinterprets the “Hundred Eggs” legend using delicate eggshells.
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Works by Le Huu Hieu presented at the exhibition |
Le Huu Hieu utilizes traditional materials, including jackfruit wood, lacquer, and the “hom dat” technique. Notably, live silkworms spin silk directly onto the installation, forming golden cocoons over the figures. This life cycle serves as a metaphor for the human condition and cultural identity.
Italian art critic Vittorio Sgarbi observed that the artist grounds his work to connect with life's origins, rather than using pedestals. Sgarbi also highlighted the subtle inclusion of the declaration “Nam quoc son ha” within the lacquerwork, reflecting aspirations for peace. Prof., Dr. Bui Quang Thang, former Artistic Director of Vicas Art Studio, emphasized that the natural silk creates a distinctive, emotionally resonant visual language.
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3D images of the artwork created by Le Huu Hieu for presentation at the exhibition |
For Le Huu Hieu, participating in the 61st Venice Biennale represents a moment of renewal after a decade of persistence despite financial challenges and psychological pressure. He described the exhibition not only as a personal milestone but also as a “major test” to validate his creative journey and open more structured pathways for young Vietnamese artists to enter the global art scene.
Through “Tam,” Le Huu Hieu demonstrates that Vietnamese culture is not a closed entity, but part of a dynamic global flow in which past and present continuously interact to shape sustainable values for the future.
Translated by Tran Hoai