Vietnam - case study 2 越南 - 個案研究 2

Inspired from the widely seen worshipping and votive offerings in Huế – the old citadel city in Central Vietnam, the artwork raises the issue of the afterlife as well as post-art criticism. Being part of the vanished Republic of Vietnam, Huế contains in itself thick layers of hidden history including the cruel battle in 1968 known as Mậu Thân Massacre or Tết Offensive that resulted in thousands of unjust deaths. Preserving many traditions related to those kinds of incidents, a fear of another world and a belief in wandering vengeful spirits is entrenched in the local culture. The market for the dead offered everything except art supplies as reflected from the live life. Within two weeks, an artist studio was built from colour paper, papier-mâché and cardboard. The artists specified that the votive objects must be real as they should be truly needed in another world. Thinking in English, the title ‘Art Forever!’ is a tease on what comes after ‘Art Now’. Though in Vietnamese, the title mimics a common slogan praising for the longivity of the only politcal party in the country. All of these offerings were set up for a week and burnt on the ground of Hue College of Arts at the art week finissage. Before burning them, the artists and friends brought in fruits, flowers and burnt the incense for worshipping.