A kaleidoscopic view of Ho Chi Minh City

A kaleidoscopic view of Ho Chi Minh City

Rediscover the vibrant connections within Ho Chi Minh City in a new creative exhibition by RMIT students.

The Kính Vạn Hoa exhibition is open every day from 8am to 5pm between 12 March and 24 April 2022 at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. The Kính Vạn Hoa exhibition is open every day from 8am to 5pm between 12 March and 24 April 2022 at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City.

Running for six weeks until 24 April 2022 at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, the Kính Vạn Hoa exhibition features 23 works from students majoring in Design Studies at RMIT University.

With five key themes – Connection, Scenery, Cuisine, Custom, and Lifestyle – the works employ creative mediums like 3D animation and conceptual models.

The exhibition name “Kính Vạn Hoa” (meaning “kaleidoscope”) was inspired by the image of a lens that reflects thousands of colours.

Through this “lens”, the showcase wants to shed light on the colours of each individual in an energetic city that is forever changing and evolving yet keeping its originality and heritage.

The "Saigon Folklore" project by Ha Xuan Uyen was created with the goal of honouring the beautiful personalities of Ho Chi Minh City people through ordinary yet prideful stories of kindness. The "Saigon Folklore" project by Ha Xuan Uyen was created with the goal of honouring the beautiful personalities of Ho Chi Minh City people through ordinary yet prideful stories of kindness.

According to the organisers, the exhibition brings a new perspective from young people who are interested in preserving the city's historical and cultural values. It also reflects different aspects of modern society and offers an exciting experience, which will encourage conversations and interactions among visitors.

The layout of the exhibition space took inspiration from the dynamic traffic flow of Ho Chi Minh City, with its busy roundabouts and myriad alleys, locally known as “hẻm”. All of these are translated into a contemporary context, creating a unique experience about the city within the museum space.

"Troi Dat" by Doan Hoang Phi Long draws inspiration from worship activities and promotes the close bonding relationship between people and nature in the city. "Troi Dat" by Doan Hoang Phi Long draws inspiration from worship activities and promotes the close bonding relationship between people and nature in the city.

RMIT Dean of School of Communication & Design Professor Julia Gaimster said: “Museums play a very important role in the community, providing an opportunity for people to engage with and understand their heritage as well as contemporary culture.”

“This exhibition offers a venue for Ho Chi Minh City citizens to consider and engage with their city, their culture and the contemporary issues presented by living in a fast-developing urban environment.

“Our ambition is to raise awareness of the issues and possible solutions, and help more people access the resources that the museum has to offer,” she added.

The Kính Vạn Hoa exhibition is open every day from 8am to 5pm between 12 March and 24 April 2022 at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City (65 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City).

Follow the RMIT School of Communication & Design Facebook page for more information.

"The Silent Maze" by Tran Duong Nhat Quynh recreates the "revival" of daily life energy after COVID-19 social distancing by collecting and displaying photos at home and daily activities from the community during the quarantine season. "The Silent Maze" by Tran Duong Nhat Quynh recreates the "revival" of daily life energy after COVID-19 social distancing by collecting and displaying photos at home and daily activities from the community during the quarantine season.

Story: Ngoc Hoang

Masthead image: “Ngoi choi” by Nguyen Phan Hoang Vy

14 March 2022

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