LENH DENH EXHIBITION
Every story has a beginning. That could be some vague memories of a time when rows of houses were crammed together along the bank of Nai Hien Dong, or groups of coracles following each other out to sea when the sky turned dark. There are anecdotes that now are in a forgotten realm, but also traditions that strongly survive from one generation to another generation, existing and thriving quietly along the coast of Da Nang.
Lenh Denh Physical Exhibition was held in Feb 19th - 27th, 2022 in Da Nang, Viet Nam.
Grab your paddle. It’s sail time!
Nghệ trên thúng | ART ON THE CORACLE
Pixel Animation
Artist: Nguyen Trong Luan
In order to be a permanent resident of the sea, having only passion is never enough. It requires a plethora of persistence and valour to become accomplished in riding a coracle, as confronting mountains of waves is a day-to-day basis of a coracle rider. The same comes to an artist pursuing their vocation of Art, which includes a myriad of challenges and hardships. At the end of the day, no matter how “floating” and unpredictable this mission could be, the artist, in the past or at present, will always find a balance to devote themselves to the creativity in Art.
nhà chồ | RIVER slum
Hologram
Artist: Dang Cong Tuyen
“Nhà Chồ” had been the most common type of “house” of Danang fishing villagers for decades. It is simply a temporary shelter, which is 1-1.5 meters above the water and built from logs and straw. Despite living in a narrow space with many deprivations, people in fishing villages still lightened their lives with a positive outlook on life through plenty of festivals and artistic activities. Thanks to that, the rickety "nhà chồ" had become a truly “home sweet home” covered with flowers and happiness.
nhất nhật hải triền nhất y sinh | a day in the sea FEELS like a lifetime
Pop-up book
Artist: Nguyen Quoc Hoang, Vuu Triet, Nguyen Dac Vinh
chương 1: khởi sự | chapter i: the beginning
The fishermen's inshore fishing trip usually starts from the previous afternoon to the next morning. Despite the short period of time, this trip seems to pack all emotions in a lifetime: hope, anxiety, bewilderment, disappointment, and even delight.
Fishermen always prepare carefully before each trip. Every member of the family has their own responsibility: patching the torn fishing net, re-covering the layer of the oil over the coracles, knitting fish coracles,...
Under the dazzling afternoon sun, fishermen start their trip with a coracle boat, nets, and other fishing equipment. Their family members wish them the best and hope for a safe and satisfying trip.
Đời thúng | Life of a coracle
Animation
Artist: Bun Xuong Tai, Nguyen Van Binh Minh, Nguyen Duc Hau
The lifespan of a bamboo coracle often lasts for 30-40 years. Its life starts with the creation of a coracle maker, followed by an adventure on the high seas with fisherman. Finally, after the voyages, the coracle ends up on the familiar golden beach. The circular coracle that is associated with a fisherman's life is sometimes not as complete as it wished. Throughout history, the ancestors have passed on the coracle-making culture to the following. As a result, the life of the coracle circulates, becoming a common symbol of the marine community.
chài ngư tung sóng | The waves of fishermen
Watercolor Painting
Artist: La Bu ne
A day of a fisherman normally starts in the afternoon every day and will not end until the next day’s early morning. During the long night and in the middle of the ocean, the fisherman enjoys great company with endless waves. The alliance between fishermen and ocean waves is exquisite, permanent, and unbreakable.
Nhất nhật hải triều, nhất y sinh | a day in the sea like a lifetime
chapter ii: xoay van
Pop-up book
Artist: Nguyen Quoc Hoang, Vuu Triet, Nguyen Dac Vinh
When the boat reaches the open sea, the fisherman will initially consider where to be full of fish, then "array troops" undersea. His strong arm skillfully throws the fishing net, drawing a visually stunning scene.
However, in the dark night, the sea for a thousand miles contains a myriad of implicit threats. Heavy wind or a big wave is totally able to put the coracle in danger. Fishermen must always be in a defensive stance so that they can battle against nature at all times.
thúng tre | bamboo coracle
Hologram
Artist: Dang Cong Tuyen
For a long time, bamboo coracles have become ubiquitous all over the Central South of Vietnam. Anecdotally, coracles boats made of bamboo were born during the colonization of France in Vietnam as an alternative to against the tax on marine vehicles. Since then, the coracle has been not only a crucial means of water transport but also a symbol of Vietnamese fishing life.
Lên bờ thay áo | Before and now
Digital Paingting/ Augmented Reality
Artist: Hong Nhi, Nguyen Van Hieu
The authors, with all their enthusiasm, told the story of how Da Nang has changed after 20 years through the set of pictures below. Looking at the current background now, it's hard to imagine the city thriving on a challenging backdrop.
Please download and use the Artivive app to scan the artwork (available for iOS and Android)
lời tự sự của mái chèo | this is my story - paddle said
Digital Paingting
Artist: Nguyen Thu An aka BéAn
“To be honest, I’m the closest friend to the fisherman beside the coracle. The twink worked hard till the sun came up, bringing home the lights of hope contained in silver scales glittering. And day by day, until my old friend can’t go to the sea anymore… He finally rested after his seemingly endless journey. I was hung next to his hat and the worn out net that has accompanied him for the past “few” years. But that’s not the end of the fishery. As time went by, more and more fishing gear came out. They are more modern, more developed than me. And hope that, they will go with the fishermen ever after”
Chợ cá | Fish Market
Pixel Animation
Artist: Nguyen Dac Vinh
The fish market is a signature of the fishing village, and usually it only takes place for a few hours in the early morning. When the dawn had not yet appeared, the sandbank was already filled with the buzz of people who were waiting for the fresh fish. Once the boat had just arrived, the fishermen hurriedly pushed the coracles full of fish to the shore. In an instant, a busy fish market was formed right on the beach, the sound of buyers and sellers exchanging back and forth resounded in the whole corner. The wind carries the salty breath of the sea and mixes it with the strong smell of seafood, a distinct smell of the fish market that anyone can feel was up in the air.
Nhất nhật hải triều, nhất y sinh | a day in the sea like a lifetime
chapter iIi: Khải Hoàn | Sunrise
Pop-up book
Artist: Nguyen Quoc Hoang, Vuu Triet, Nguyen Dac Vinh
To fight the waves as giant beasts trying to swallow a tiny coracle, fishermen have to comprehend many rowing skills. The coracle rider must always be vigilant and calm to possibly row overcome the waves.
Dawn rises, along with it the light of victory, is also the time the fisherman delightfully pilots the coracle full of fresh fish ashore. He goes back home with a heartwarming welcome from his whole family. Everyone looks radiant because of a successful fishing trip.
thúng sắt | STEEL coracles
Hologram
Artist: Dang Cong Tuyen
Besides the bamboo coracles, many fishermen also tend to use aluminum coracles. This coracle-type has a round or mango-alike shape and is often fitted with motors to help fishermen navigate the waves easier and faster.
Compared with bamboo coracles, aluminum coracles are lighter, more convenient, and reasonably priced. On the other hand, they were being used only for a few short years because of their poor durability. Many fishermen who used aluminum coracles before chose to return to bamboo ones or to use both types on a daily basis as a consequence.
Much other fishing gear might be more modern in the future, but as long as our fishermen keep going to the sea, that bamboo coracles will still exist.
Compared with bamboo coracles, aluminum coracles are lighter, more convenient, and reasonably priced. On the other hand, they were being used only for a few short years because of their poor durability. Many fishermen who used aluminum coracles before chose to return to bamboo ones or to use both types on a daily basis as a consequence.
Much other fishing gear might be more modern in the future, but as long as our fishermen keep going to the sea, that bamboo coracles will still exist.
sóng trong đời sống | WAVES IN THE LIFE
Animation
Artist: Tran Viet Huy
Not only the fisherman has to face the waves in the storms. All of us, whether intellectuals or laborers, have their own "waves" in life. That is also the inspiration to create this artwork: difficulties and challenges in human life. Carrying the mission of ending all artworks in the exhibition, "Waves in Life" is a closing message that sends a message to everyone: "In any "fishing journey" , the "waves" can always suddenly come. Although they are different in shape and property, they both bring challenges and opportunities for "people who put to sea".
Each part of the artwork is a different view of the “waves” through four moods and timelines: afternoon (sunset) - dark night - thunderstorm - morning (sunrise). The image of leaping waves reproduced by the author in all four parts of the artwork shows the widespread presence of "waves". Like the title of the artwork, "waves" do not come and go, "waves" present, entwine, and are an indispensable part of every person's life.
Ending Credits:
All artists are credited to their respective artworks above.
Art Director: Tran Viet Huy
Project Coordinator: Nguyen Ngoc Thien Hieu
Marketing & Communications: Ngo Phan Tam Nguyen (Lead), Huynh Nguyen To Phuong, Nguyen Le Xuan Phuc, Trinh Ngan Ha, Huynh Pham Nguyet Duong (Content Writer), Truong Cong Bao Anh, Nguyen Van Tuan Nghia (Designer), Nguyen Thu An (Illustrator), Tran Le Vinh Dat (Photographer), Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam (Web Designer)
Exhibition Content: Dang Tran Nguyen (Lead), Tran Bao Van Khanh, Pham Thi Thu Trang, Nguyen Pham Quynh Huong (Researcher), Nguyen Thi Anh Minh (Writer)
Finance & Logistics: Nguyen T. Thao Nguyen, Tran Thị Hoang Nguyen (Finance), Ha Huu Minh Anh (Logistics)
Workshop & Activities: Nguyen Phuoc Vinh Loc, Nguyen Huu Thang, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong
Digital Exhibition Developer: Truong Quang Dinh
Sound Effect: Nguyen Duc Hoang Vy
Special thanks to Mr. Nguyen Thai Nhat Huy, Mr. Bui Thanh Phu, Huong Lang Co Fish sauce, Mr. Dylan Jones, Mr. Bui Tuoi, Mr. Ong Van Sinh, Ms. Luong Quynh Tram, Strength Lab Private Fitness, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, Phan Phan and volunteers for your contributions.
